The locals in Orlando may want to bundle up as a wave of cool air moves in, bringing the potential for frost and cold wind chills, particularly over the inland areas this weekend. The National Weather Service has forecasted a cooler-than-normal period toward the end of this week, with temperatures taking a dip even further into the weekend. Wind chill values in the 30s are forecast for early Saturday morning, with frost development possible over portions of the interior early Sunday morning.
Following the chill, temperatures are expected to rebound on Sunday afternoon and climb early next week. A strong cold front, however, looms right around the corner, projected to bring well below normal temperatures into Tuesday and the middle of next week. According to NWS's latest advice, Orlando residents can anticipate highs slightly below normal today, in the mid to upper 60s, except in the low 70s across Okeechobee County and Treasure Coast. But those looking to enjoy time on the water should exercise caution: Poor to hazardous boating conditions develop into Friday night and continue into Saturday.
Regarding precipitation, Orlando is expected to stay dry through the late week and into the weekend, with a low potential for showers—rain chances between 10% and 20%—on Monday. VFR and dry conditions are forecast for those taking to the skies, with high clouds streaming overhead and north-to-northwest winds expected to increase through Thursday, as per the Aviation section of the NWS’s report.
The drop in temperature combined with the dry air mass settling over the region also raises fire weather concerns. The NWS report indicates a much drier airmass across the area today, and Friday will produce sensitive fire weather conditions. Indeed, minimum relative humidity values could plummet to the mid-30s to low 40s near the northwest of I-4 this afternoon. However, winds are expected to remain light, around 5-10 mph, maintaining a less volatile environment despite dry conditions.
Mariners, in particular, should be vigilant as a dry cold front moving through Friday night is forecasted to usher in increased northwesterly winds followed by northerly winds, with gusts potentially ranging up to 15-25 knots from Friday night into Saturday. The NWS notes that seas build to 6-8 feet over the gulf stream waters through late Friday night into Saturday morning. While Sunday may provide some reprieve, the winds are set to pick back up ahead of the approaching cold front early next week, leading to challenging boating conditions.
