Frost/Freeze in Inland Broward County, Florida

Temperatures across inland sections of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties fell into the upper 20s to low 30s during the mornings of the 14th and 15th. Some of the lowest temperatures observed: 29 at the Miccosukee Service Plaza on Interstate 75, 30 at the Alligator Alley BSO, 31 near the Royal Palm Ranger Station, and 32 in the Redland, however growers reported temperatures down to 26 in the Homestead and Florida City area. The tomato, beans, squash, zucchini, and pepper crops took significant damage.

The second of three intrusions of modified arctic air into South Florida during December occurred from the 13th through the 16th with the coldest mornings occurring on the 14th and 15th. Average temperatures during the period of 20 degrees or more below normal occurred along with a widespread freeze. This event was the coldest for mid December in nearly 50 years, colder than the early December event, and significant crop damage occurred once again with citrus, snap beans, sweet corn, squash, tomatoes, peppers, radishes, strawberries, watercress, sugar cane, and zucchini being affected.

A total of crop damage for the three December freeze events will be included in the event narratives for the late December freeze.