Rare Gulf-effect snow flurries spotted across Tampa Bay, Florida as extreme arctic air invades the state

Arctic air takes aim for Florida as record-breaking cold possible for Sunshine State

Florida could see some of its coldest temperatures in over a decade as arctic air invades the South. Miami could see temperatures in the mid-30s. A few snowflakes are even possible for the sunshine state. 

A shot of extremely cold air is moving into Florida this weekend and with it comes a rare chance for snow along the Gulf Coast.

Early Sunday morning, the National Weather Service office in Ruskin, Florida reported rare snow flurries as extreme arctic air surged over the relatively warm waters of the Gulf of America.

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This "Gulf-effect" phenomenon, meteorologically similar to lake-effect snow, occurred as temperatures plummeted into the mid-to-upper 30s, allowing light rain to transition into dancing flakes for the first time in the Tampa Bay area in 16 years. 

Flurries spotted in Florida amid extreme, rare arctic air blast.

(FOX Weather)

While no accumulation was recorded, the sighting marks a historic moment for the region during one of its most significant cold snaps since 2010.

The nor'easter that is expected to impact several states along the East Coast this weekend is also setting the stage for a wave of unusually cold air that will reach deep into South Florida.

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Areas from the Florida panhandle all the way down to the Fort Myers-Naples area could see snowflakes, though the chance is very low.

Miami could see temperatures just a few degrees above freezing, breaking a record set in December 2010. 

Temperatures like these are rarely seen in the Sunshine State

On Saturday night, lingering moisture from the storm could mix with the bitter cold air and potentially create some flurries or a rain/snow mix along the Gulf Coast.

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It's a rare phenomenon, and it's not common in the area. Lake-effect snow forms when very cold arctic air moves over warmer water. The air just above the water warms slightly, rises quickly through the colder air above, forming clouds and producing snow downwind.

In Florida, a "Gulf-effect" setup could happen if cold air moves over the relatively warmer Gulf waters. But for this to happen, there needs to be a long fetch of northwest winds picking up moisture, combined with a big enough difference between the water temperature and the cold air above.

The larger the temperature difference, the faster the air rises, boosting the chance of snow.

The chance for a rain/snow mix on Saturday night is low, and any snow that does fall would likely melt immediately upon hitting the ground.

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But it's important to note that any snow along Florida's Gulf Coast is rare, especially along the peninsula.

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Historically, Tampa, Florida, has only recorded measurable snow twice: 0.2 inches on Jan. 19, 1977, and 0.1 inches on Feb. 13, 1899. Naples, Florida, which could also get flurries, has never recorded measurable snow.

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While flurries have been spotted in Central Florida before, accumulating snow is exceptionally difficult due to the normally warm ground and Gulf waters.