As Orlando residents wake up to a particularly brisk morning, the National Weather Service Melbourne, FL, sets expectations for a week that's looking pretty gloomy. The forecast, which has been noted for a rare and historic winter storm extending from the Florida Panhandle to SE Texas, highlights cold, damp, and breezy conditions today, with morning wind chills hitting the upper 20s to mid-30s from Orlando northward. The dire weather isn't letting up soon, as even colder temperatures are projected for the weekend, with areas of frost and bitter wind chills in the mid-20s to mid-30s, particularly inland and north of Orlando.
Despite the inclement weather, a glimmer of hope is on the horizon as a "warming trend begins Sunday into next week," according to the National Weather Service. But before then, the short-term pain includes a steady rain easing later this morning, though a few showers remain in the forecast through Thursday evening. For today, highs should struggle into the low-mid 50s, except the low 60s along the Treasure Coast, with conditions not inviting enough for potential beachgoers. Hazardous beach and boating conditions persist, and a High Surf Advisory remains in effect.
In aviation, pilots and passengers face less-than-ideal conditions. The National Weather Service indicates, "Predominant IFR conditions continue across much of the area, with widespread light to moderate rainfall producing some tempo vis reductions to IFR/MVFR." Meanwhile, the advisory takes on a serious tone for anyone on the water. Gale-force gusts were recorded overnight, and as the week rolls on, maritime activities face rough seas for the rest of the work week, with today forecasted to have 6-10 FT nearshore and up to 14 FT in a Gulf Stream.
And while the clouds may hang low, there's a valuable silver lining. A pattern change may carry some staying power over Florida into February, offering relief with milder Pacific air entering the U.S. The long-range forecast looks very similar to La Niña analogs, and the two-week outlook slightly favors above-normal temperatures over Florida. But until then, those in Orlando and its neighbors will need to bundle up and brace for the coldest temps of the season, as there is a ~40% chance for a light freeze north of Orlando. Some parts of the district, especially those inland, will need to protect sensitive vegetation from the Arctic chill that has descended upon the region.
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