Orlando, Florida — A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect across much of east-central Florida as residents ring in New Year’s Eve tonight, with chilly temperatures continuing into New Year’s Day.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, the advisory covers inland portions of east-central Florida, excluding coastal Martin County, through 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, with another cold night expected tonight. Overnight lows will fall into the mid-30s to low-40s, with wind chills dropping to 25–32 degrees in some inland locations.
New Year’s Eve evening temperatures will fall quickly after sunset. By midnight, readings are expected around 42° in Orlando, 43° in Melbourne, 40° in Leesburg, and 43° in Daytona Beach, with colder conditions developing toward daybreak. Clear skies and light winds will allow temperatures to dip further overnight, increasing the risk for patchy frost inland late tonight into early New Year’s Day.
Major roadways including I-4, I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, SR-417, and US-1 are expected to remain dry with no ice concerns, but the cold may pose risks for anyone traveling late at night or spending extended time outdoors for celebrations. Motorists should ensure vehicles are prepared and passengers are dressed for cold conditions.
On New Year’s Day (Thursday), afternoon highs will only recover into the upper 50s to low 60s, remaining below normal for early January. Another cold night is possible Thursday night, with frost again a concern in inland areas.
The National Weather Service advises residents to dress in warm layers, bring pets indoors, protect sensitive plants, and limit prolonged outdoor exposure during overnight celebrations and early New Year’s Day travel.
