Did it really snow in Miami in 1977?

Yes, on January 19, 1977, there were widespread eyewitness accounts and reports of snow in Miami and surrounding South Florida counties, despite official airport records noting no accumulation.

What caused the 1977 South Florida snowstorm?

An arctic front raced down the peninsula on January 18-19, 1977, causing temperatures to plummet and allowing snow to fall across North and Central Florida, and even reaching as far south as Miami.

How much damage did the 1977 Florida snow cause?

The freezing temperatures associated with the 1977 snowfall caused significant agricultural losses, estimated at $350 million statewide, with over $100 million in losses specifically in Dade County.

Home / Weather / Rare Snowfall Stuns South Florida in '77

Rare Snowfall Stuns South Florida in '77

20 Jan

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Summary

South Florida experienced its first-ever snowfall on January 19, 1977.
An arctic front caused temperatures to plummet, enabling precipitation.
Agricultural losses reached $350 million statewide due to freezing temperatures.

Rare Snowfall Stuns South Florida in '77

On January 19, 1977, a rare arctic cold front swept through Florida, bringing an unprecedented snowfall to the southern part of the state. Cities as far south as Miami were blanketed in snow for the first time in recorded history, a stark contrast to the region's typical warm climate.

The frigid air mass allowed precipitation to fall as snow, with even some reports from the Bahamas indicating a mix of rain and snow. While the event was a delightful surprise for many South Floridians, causing it to overshadow President Jimmy Carter's inauguration in news coverage, the sub-freezing temperatures had severe economic consequences.