Record-Breaking Cold Grips Central Florida

Temperatures plummet to historic lows, prompting Extreme Cold Warnings

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:15am

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Central Florida is experiencing a brutal cold snap, with temperatures plunging to record lows across the region. Orlando, Melbourne, Daytona Beach, Leesburg, and Sanford all saw temperatures dip well below freezing, breaking long-standing records. An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect as the dangerously cold air lingers, and a Freeze Warning is expected to be issued for Sunday night into Monday morning.

Why it matters

The record-breaking cold temperatures pose a significant threat to public safety, with the risk of hypothermia and other cold-related illnesses. The cold snap could also impact local businesses, agriculture, and infrastructure, underscoring the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of extreme weather events.

The details

Temperatures in Central Florida dropped to as low as 23 degrees, shattering previous records. Orlando reached 25 degrees, breaking the 1936 record of 28 degrees. Melbourne hit 25 degrees, topping the previous record of 32 degrees. Daytona Beach plunged to 23 degrees, breaking a record of 33 degrees. Leesburg fell to 23 degrees, beating a 1979 record of 30 degrees, and Sanford also reached 23 degrees, breaking its old mark of 30 degrees.

  • On February 1, 2026, temperatures across Central Florida reached record lows.
  • The Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect through 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
  • A Freeze Warning is expected to be issued for Sunday night, February 2, 2026, into Monday morning, February 3, 2026.

The players

Orlando

A city in Central Florida that experienced a record low temperature of 25 degrees, breaking the previous record of 28 degrees set in 1936.

Melbourne

A city in Central Florida that reached a record low temperature of 25 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 32 degrees.

Daytona Beach

A city in Central Florida that plunged to a record low of 23 degrees, breaking the previous record of 33 degrees.

Leesburg

A city in Central Florida that fell to a record low of 23 degrees, beating the previous record of 30 degrees set in 1979.

Sanford

A city in Central Florida that reached a record low of 23 degrees, breaking its old mark of 30 degrees.

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What they’re saying

“It's a downright cold start to the day across Central Florida, with record-low temperatures shattered area-wide.”

— Michelle Morgan, Author (clickorlando.com)

What’s next

The Extreme Cold Warning will be reissued Sunday night into Monday morning, along with a Freeze Warning, as overnight temperatures once again fall below freezing across much of Central Florida. A hard freeze is possible in many locations Sunday night into Monday.

The takeaway

The record-breaking cold temperatures in Central Florida underscore the need for residents to take precautions and stay safe during extreme weather events. Preparedness and resilience are crucial as communities face the challenges posed by these types of extreme conditions.