Florida under freeze warnings, frost advisories as cold front drops temperatures into the 30s, 40s
Cold front setting records in Central Florida
Most of Central Florida will wake up Wednesday to temperatures in the low 40s. FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Noah Bergren breaks down what you can expect tomorrow, and for the rest of the week as a cold front triggers freeze warnings and frost advisories across the state.
ORLANDO, Fla. - This year is on pace to be the warmest year on record, following one of the hottest summers on record. Though, it does not quite feel like the Florida summer – or typical winter – right now.
Several parts of north Central Florida and north Florida are under freeze warnings and/or frost advisories due to the expected low temperatures – some of the coldest temperatures we've seen this season. Temperatures are expected to fall into the 30s and 40s – and could feel colder in spots due to the wind chill.
Much of the Gainesville area is under a freeze warning (purple coloring on the map), which could damage unprotected plants and vegetation. Those areas in light blue, stretching from Jacksonville down to Ocala, are under a frost advisory.
Here in Central Florida, from DeLand to Sanford to Orlando to Melbourne, temperatures may reach the high 30s to low 40s. Here is what temperatures are forecast to be around 7 a.m. Wednesday.
High temperatures today only got into the mid-high 50s in most locations, which is quite unusual. Many spots came close to records for how cold the afternoon high temperatures were.
In fact, today was the 4th coldest high temperature recorded in Orlando on November 28th, dating all the way back to 1893. The historical average is usually in the mid-70s for this time of year.
When do we usually see our first big cold front in Florida?
Looking at the records – the timing is almost perfectly on the mark. Historically, Central Florida typically sees temperatures below 45 on Nov. 28, or around this date. Last year, we didn't see temperatures fall below 45 degrees until Jan. 15, 2022, when it was 43 degrees.
How long will the cold last?
Thankfully, not too long. Wednesday will be cold to start, followed by sunshine. Clouds and humidity return on Thrusday afternoon and Friday, where temperatures will warm to the 80s. Looking ahead to the weekend, there is a small chance for some pop-up thunderstorms.
However, the next real chance for significant rainfall is next Monday when another cold front is expected to move through – and temperatures could fall again.