Orlando, Florida – A rare January freeze could impact much of central and east-central Florida late Thursday night into Friday morning, putting crops, landscaping, and outdoor plumbing at risk as temperatures dip below freezing.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a Freeze Watch is in effect for a broad stretch of the region, including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia, Lake, Brevard, Indian River, Saint Lucie, and Okeechobee counties. Overnight lows could fall as low as 27 degrees, particularly in inland and low-lying areas where cold air settles most efficiently.
In the Orlando metro, communities including Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, and Kissimmee could see several hours of sub-freezing temperatures before sunrise Friday. Farther east, inland portions of Brevard County such as Titusville, Cocoa, Rockledge, Viera West, and Palm Bay west of I-95 are also at risk, while coastal Volusia locations including Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach may see patchy frost.
Cold-sensitive crops and ornamental plants could suffer damage if left unprotected. Residents are urged to cover tender vegetation, bring potted plants indoors, and protect outdoor pipes by wrapping, draining, or allowing faucets to drip slowly.
The freeze threat begins late Thursday night and may linger into early Friday morning. Additional advisories or a Freeze Warning could be issued as confidence increases.
