Timeline of the Cold Snap:
Monday, Dec. 30
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A strong cold front moves into Central Florida early Monday evening.
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Temperatures ahead of the front remain above average, with Orlando highs in the upper 70s.
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Rain chances are minimal, though a brief sprinkle is possible.
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Coastal areas face dangerous rip currents, and a Small Craft Advisory is in effect Monday night.
Monday Night
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Much colder air moves in, especially northwest of I-4, where temps could dip into the upper 30s.
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Inland areas fall to the low-mid 40s, with 50s near the coast.
Tuesday, Dec. 31
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Breezy and much cooler conditions persist.
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Highs near 60°F north of I-4, low-mid 60s to the south.
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Overnight temps drop into the 30s inland, possibly lower 30s in some areas.
Wind Chill Impacts
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Tuesday morning: wind chills in the 30s across northern/western areas, 40s farther south.
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Late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning: wind chills could fall into the upper 20s to low 30s, prompting Cold Weather Advisories or Freeze Watches.
New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2026)
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Temps dropping quickly as 2026 begins.
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Inland areas in the upper 30s to 40s, coastal areas slightly warmer.
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Light breeze will make it feel even colder—jackets and layers recommended for outdoor celebrations.
Rest of the Week
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Dry, cooler, and drier air remains in place.
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Highs stay in the 60s through the end of 2025, warming into the low 70s by Friday.
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A gradual warming trend continues into early next week with milder overnight temperatures and highs returning to the 70s by Saturday and Sunday.
Takeaway:
Central Florida residents should prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures and wind chills below freezing, especially inland, as the week starts. Cold-weather gear is essential for outdoor activities and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
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