Rare Cold Front Brings Potential Record Lows, Snow Flurries to Orlando

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A significant cold front is forecast to impact Orlando, Florida, beginning Saturday, bringing scattered rain showers, strong winds up to 40 mph, and the potential for record-breaking low temperatures and dangerous wind chills. Forecasters say there is also a rare possibility of snow flurries in parts of Florida, including the Tampa region and western-central Florida, due to the 'Gulf Effect' as the cold air moves over the warmer Gulf waters.

Why it matters

This weather system is expected to bring the coldest temperatures to Orlando and Central Florida since 2010, with the National Weather Service issuing alerts for potentially record-breaking cold on Sunday and Monday. The combination of frigid air, high winds, and the rare chance of snow flurries could create hazardous conditions for residents and disrupt normal activities in the region.

The details

Temperatures could fall into the low to mid-20s, with wind chills in the teens or lower, particularly on Sunday morning and early Monday. The first chance for snow flurries is Saturday evening into overnight in Jacksonville or Flagler County, while Sunday morning presents a more unusual scenario for 'Gulf Effect' snow flurries in the Tampa region and western-central Florida areas.

• The cold front is forecast to impact Orlando starting Saturday.
• Winds are expected to increase substantially throughout Saturday afternoon and overnight, potentially gusting between 30 and 40 mph.
• The most intense cold, measured by wind chill, is anticipated Sunday morning.
• Temperatures could reach the low to mid-20s, with wind chills falling into the teens or lower, on Sunday and Monday mornings.
• The chance for snow flurries is possible Saturday evening into overnight and again on Sunday morning.

What’s next

More specific forecasts are expected Friday as updated data becomes available.