Overview
- Forecasters expect the coldest air of the year to arrive this weekend and persist into early February across South Florida.
- Animal care officials urge limited outdoor time, especially for small, senior, or short‑haired pets, with short walks and sweaters recommended.
- Guidance cites temperature thresholds: roughly safe for most dogs at about 45°F and above, dangerous for many between ~32°F and the low 20s, with cats at risk of frostbite and hypothermia near 32°F or below.
- Owners are advised to provide dry, fully covered bedding for outdoor animals, avoid wet blankets, leave extra wet food for community cats, and tap car hoods before starting vehicles.
- Miami-Dade and Broward shelters are prepping with extra warmth measures, transporting some dogs to safer quarters, and asking the public to foster animals through the cold spell.