Orlando, Florida — Central Florida is preparing for another round of cold weather late this week, followed by a potentially damaging arctic cold outbreak Sunday into Monday, raising freeze concerns along Interstate 4, I-95, and surrounding roadways.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect early Thursday morning from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Okeechobee, mainland Brevard, inland Indian River, and Saint Lucie counties. Overnight lows are expected to fall between 29 and 38 degrees, with wind chills as low as 24 to 30 degrees.
In addition, Freeze Warnings and Frost Advisories are posted for portions of central Florida late tonight into early Thursday. Freeze warnings include Orange, Seminole, Lake, Osceola, Okeechobee, and inland Volusia counties, where temperatures near or below freezing could damage sensitive vegetation and exposed plumbing.
Forecasters warn this cold snap will be followed by a brief moderation before a strong arctic air mass arrives late Sunday, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season. Forecast probabilities show a very high chance of temperatures at or below 32 degrees across much of central Florida Sunday night into Monday morning, with some inland locations facing hard freeze potential.
Wind chills are also expected to drop into the 20s, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Travel impacts may develop overnight, especially on bridges, overpasses, and elevated roadways along I-4, I-95, and Florida’s Turnpike.
Residents are urged to protect people, pets, plants, and pipes, limit time outdoors during peak cold, and check on elderly neighbors. Drivers, students, and early-shift workers should plan for cold starts and allow extra travel time during early morning hours.
The National Weather Service advises closely monitoring forecast updates as timing and severity details are refined.
