Central Florida Braces for Coldest Air of the Season

Central Florida is set to experience its coldest air of the season on Thursday, with temperatures plummeting to near or below freezing in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings for Marion, Lake, and Volusia counties, while frost is expected across the region. Wind chills could dip into the 20s, making it feel even colder.

According to meteorologists, Thursday morning will bring the coldest temperatures since last January, with some areas like Reddick and Dunnellon starting the day at 29 degrees. Orlando and surrounding areas will see lows in the mid-30s, with frost likely. The cold snap is part of an arctic blast sweeping across the region, driven by a high-pressure system to the north.

“It’s not that it hasn’t been cold enough already,” said Cam Tran, a meteorologist with WESH 2 News. “Tomorrow morning will be the coldest air of the season, probably the coldest we’ve felt since last January.”

Residents are advised to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants, as freezing temperatures can cause significant damage. Space heaters should be used safely to avoid fire hazards. The cold weather is expected to persist through the weekend, with a chance of rain on Saturday and slightly warmer temperatures by Sunday.

Highs on Thursday will struggle to reach the 50s, despite sunshine, and Friday morning will bring another chilly start. The First Warning Weather team at WESH 2 News is closely monitoring the situation and providing updates on air and online.