Grab the jacket you haven’t touched since spring. The strongest cold front of the fall season moved through Central Florida Thursday night, and this weekend will feel very different from what we’ve been used to.
What to Expect Friday
Friday brings a big change. Dry air pushes in overnight, which wipes out rain chances. Morning lows dip into the upper 50s and low 60s.
Northwest winds will blow all day, and highs will only reach the upper 60s to around 70 degrees. Skies start out mostly cloudy, then gradually clear up as the day goes on.
Saturday Morning Is the Coldest
The chilliest air arrives Saturday morning. Much of Central Florida will wake up to temperatures in the mid to upper 40s. That’s the coldest it has been since mid-March, more than 240 days ago.
Even with lots of sunshine, steady north-northwest winds will keep afternoon highs in the mid-60s.
Across the state, the cold air reaches far and wide. Lows Saturday are expected in the mid-50s in South Florida, the 40s across Central and North Florida, and even the 30s in parts of the Panhandle.
Dry Weekend Ahead
Rain chances are basically zero from Friday through the weekend. That’s great news for anyone heading out to this weekend’s outdoor events, including the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival and high school playoff football on Friday night.
Quick Cold-Weather Tips
- Layer up for the morning. It may feel warm by afternoon, but early mornings will be chilly, especially for kids waiting at the bus stop or heading to Saturday sports.
- Bring pets inside. Dogs and cats used to Florida heat aren’t built for the 40s.
- Cover sensitive plants. Tropical plants may need some protection Saturday morning, even if it doesn’t get close to freezing.
- Check on neighbors. Older residents and people without reliable heat may need a hand.
How Long Will It Last?
The cool, dry pattern is expected to stick around through the weekend. Enjoy it. For many Floridians, this is the first real taste of fall.