MELBOURNE, Fla. – The usually mild Florida air bit hard early Tuesday morning as a rare cold snap swept through central and east-central counties, sending temperatures tumbling into the 30s and wind chills as low as 26°F. Frost sparkled on rooftops and car hoods before sunrise, and palm fronds shivered in the northerly breeze from Orlando to Cocoa Beach.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through 9 a.m. for Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Volusia counties. The combination of clear skies and dry, Arctic air has driven temperatures down to their lowest levels of the season. Areas west of I-95 and across the inland corridor from Kissimmee to Titusville saw the sharpest chill.
Forecasters warn that prolonged exposure could cause hypothermia, especially for those without adequate shelter. Residents are urged to dress in layers, check on older neighbors, and bring pets indoors until temperatures rebound later today. Space heaters should be used safely — never with extension cords or in confined spaces.
Winds will ease by afternoon, and sunshine will push highs into the upper 50s across Orlando and mid-50s along the Space Coast. The chill lifts by midweek, with a steady warm-up through Thursday and Friday as highs reach the low to mid-70s.
After a record-cold start, this late-fall warm stretch should hold into the weekend — perfect for early holiday decorating or outdoor plans, as the state shakes off its brief brush with winter.
Five-Day Forecast for Orlando, FL:
Tue: 57/35 – Cold start; sunny and breezy afternoon.
Wed: 68/41 – Clear; milder with light winds.
Thu: 74/46 – Sunny and pleasant; low humidity.
Fri: 76/51 – Clear skies; calm and warm.
Sat: 78/54 – Mostly sunny; great for outdoor events.
