South Florida awoke to a blanket of dense fog on Friday, February 13, 2026, as weather advisories stretched from Miami-Dade and Broward counties all the way up through Central West Florida and along the Gulf Coast. The National Weather Service and local meteorologists issued dense fog advisories for much of the region, cautioning drivers and travelers to allow extra time and use low-beam headlights as visibility in some areas dropped to less than a quarter of a mile.
According to WPLG Local10.com, inland Broward and the west coast of South Florida were under dense fog advisories early Friday morning, with similar alerts in effect for Miami-Dade. The Tampa Bay Times reported that Central West Florida also experienced limited visibility, with advisories in place until the morning hours. The widespread nature of the fog made for a challenging start to the day for commuters and travelers alike.
At Miami International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported delays of up to 15 minutes due to low ceilings, as noted by the NEXT Weather team. Flights in and out of the region were affected, adding a layer of frustration for those hoping to get a jump on the long holiday weekend. "The fog can cause some delays on the road, longer times to get to work, and it could even cause some issues on the road," said Zach Maloch of The Weather Authority, underscoring the real-world impacts of the morning’s conditions.
Southwest Florida was not spared either. FOX 4 meteorologist Trent Aric explained that a Dense Fog Advisory was in effect for all of Southwest Florida until 10 a.m. on February 13. "Visibility will be less than 1/4 of a mile in many locations," Aric said, emphasizing the need for caution during the morning commute. The National Weather Service extended advisories to Lee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties until 10 a.m., while Collier, Hendry, and Glades counties saw the advisory expire at 6 a.m., according to Gulf Coast News.
As the fog lifted later in the morning, the weather took a dramatic turn for the better. The sun broke through, and temperatures quickly climbed into the upper 70s and low 80s across the region. WINK News reported that the afternoon would be "beautiful," with highs topping out in the 70s to lower 80s and only a few clouds dotting the sky. Winds remained light, coming out of the northwest at 5-10 mph, as noted by FOX 4.
But even as residents enjoyed the return of sunshine, the region’s ongoing drought loomed large. According to the NEXT Weather team, the drought expanding across South Florida is now one of the worst since data collection began in 1999. Severe to extreme drought conditions have set in, a situation FOX 4 meteorologists described as “conditions we wouldn’t typically see until late April into May.” Afternoon wildfire concerns remained high, especially with the persistent dry weather, as highlighted by WPLG Local10.com.
Valentine’s Day, falling on Saturday, February 14, 2026, was forecast to be a bright spot—literally and figuratively. The NEXT Weather team predicted a sunny and warm day, with highs reaching the upper 70s, while FOX 4 and WINK News anticipated that many communities would see the mercury climb into the lower 80s. The warming trend was expected to continue, with temperatures running near or slightly above average for this time of year.
As the weekend progressed, the forecast called for some changes. Sunday, February 15, was set to bring windy conditions, with gusts up to 25 mph ahead of an approaching cold front, according to FOX 4. Rain chances, which had been minimal—just 10% on Friday and Saturday—were expected to increase to 20% on Sunday and 40% on Monday as the new weather system moved in, reported Gulf Coast News. Scattered showers and storms were predicted to arrive Sunday night into Monday morning, coinciding with the President’s Day holiday.
Despite the much-needed rainfall, the amount expected was modest. WPLG Local10.com noted that forecast precipitation totals would likely remain below half an inch over the next seven days, a drop in the bucket for a region parched by drought. Still, any rain was welcome news for residents and officials worried about wildfire risks and water shortages.
President’s Day, Monday, February 16, was forecast to start off wet but dry out by afternoon, with highs near 76°F, according to FOX 4. By Tuesday, temperatures were expected to rebound to around 80°F and stay there or slightly above through the rest of the week. The cold front, unlike previous ones, was not expected to bring a dramatic drop in temperatures—just a brief respite from the persistent warmth.
In response to the recurring weather disruptions, the Gulf Coast Weather team introduced new “Impact Day” and “Alert Day” categories to help residents better understand and plan for potential weather-related inconveniences or dangers. A yellow triangle with an exclamation mark now appears on forecasts for days like February 13, when dense fog is likely to disrupt commutes or outdoor plans. More severe threats, such as tornadoes or hurricanes, are flagged with a red circle, signaling the need for heightened awareness and preparation.
“These icons are designed to provide you with clear and timely information about potential weather risks,” the Gulf Coast News team explained. The hope is that visual cues on TV and digital platforms will help people make informed decisions, whether they’re heading to work, planning a holiday outing, or simply trying to stay safe on the road.
For many in South Florida, Friday’s foggy start was a reminder of how quickly weather can change—and how important it is to stay informed. With technology at their fingertips, residents are encouraged to download weather apps, follow local meteorologists on social media, and keep an eye out for those new weather alert symbols. As the drought persists and the risk of wildfires remains high, every bit of information could make a difference.
The region’s resilience is being tested by both the relentless drought and the unpredictable weather patterns. But with clear skies on the horizon for Valentine’s Day and the promise of at least some rain in the days ahead, South Floridians are finding reasons to look up—both literally and figuratively.