ORLANDO, Fla. – You’ll need the layers for a bit longer as the frigid air lingers this week before the sunshine and 70s return by the weekend!
Wednesday afternoon saw record-breaking cold highs with Orlando staying at 47 degrees through the day, breaking the record of 51 in 1960. And it looks like we could be flirting with records for another afternoon.
Temperatures will remain as cold or even colder than Wednesday with highs in the upper 30s to mid 40s, with low 50s in Brevard County.
Along with the arctic air in place, a weak low is expected to form off the southeast coast of Florida on Thursday, bringing in scattered showers and light drizzle across the area through the day with chances sitting at 50-60%. This will continue through the afternoon before tapering off into tonight as drier air moves in.
Expect an even chillier night into early Friday morning, with lows in the 30s and 40s, and even near-freezing in the colder spots northwest of the I-4 corridor. Northerly winds around 5-10 mph will make it feel even colder, with wind chills dipping into the mid 20s and 30s.
A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect tonight through Friday morning for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, and Orange counties, where wind chills could range from 25 to 30 degrees.
Friday night into Saturday morning will be even colder, with temperatures likely dropping below-freezing in areas close to I-4. Frost is also possible, especially in those colder spots. Wind chills could dip into the mid 20s to 30s early Saturday, so another Cold Weather Advisory is likely.
As we move into the weekend, high pressure will build over the Southeast, bringing dry conditions and a gradual warming trend.
After a chilly start to Saturday, highs will reach the upper 50s to near 60 degrees.
[RELATED: Freeze vs. hard freeze | Protect your plants. Here’s how]
By Sunday, temperatures will get closer to normal, with highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, except in Volusia County where it will stay in the low to mid 60s. Lows Sunday night will be in the 40s to 50s.
Next week looks to stay mostly dry, with temperatures gradually warming into the 70s during the day and staying in the upper 40s to 50s at night. It should feel much more comfortable by then!
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: