Residents in Orlando and surrounding areas are feeling the chill today. The start has been icy, and wind chill values have dipped into the 30s and 40s. According to the National Weather Service Melbourne, FL, the temperature at Daytona Beach hit 46 degrees early this morning, but due to the wind chill, it felt more like 40 degrees.
The forecast doesn't promise much reprieve from the cooler air today. North winds are expected to veer north-northeast and keep temperatures below the norm for mid-December by about 6 to 10 degrees. "Despite a good amount of sunshine, north winds veering north-northeast will keep the cooler air in place," the National Weather Service said. Meanwhile, tonight, temperatures are projected to fall briefly before warming up slightly again.
Hazardous beach conditions are another concern, as gusty north-northeast winds are predicted to create a strong current moving southward alongside a high risk of rip currents starting this afternoon. The National Weather Service has advised staying out of the water to avoid these dangers.
This weekend, we expect to see some changes with surface high-pressure buildings over Florida. At the same time, a low-pressure system over the central CONUS will likely cause an uptick in east-northeast winds and precipitation. Isolated to scattered showers, move onshore from Friday into the weekend. There is a chance of minor coastal erosion and hazardous beach conditions continuing in the foreseeable future. While the region can look forward to a quick warming trend, with highs climbing into the mid to upper 70s by Sunday, entering the water is discouraged due to persistent, high risk for rip currents.
Marine conditions will continue to be rough into next week, with a Small Craft Advisory in effect and seas reaching heights of up to 14 feet offshore by the weekend. Hazardous conditions will continue for the foreseeable future, reports the National Weather Service, with advisories remaining in place through at least early next week. Orlando locals and visitors should exercise caution when using the water during this time.
