Orlando is set to experience a warm afternoon ahead of an incoming cold front that could shake up the weather pattern for Thanksgiving, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne FL. Forecasts predict a very warm afternoon for late November, with high temperatures increasing to the mid-80s in most areas, which is roughly 5-8 degrees above normal and could approach record highs in some spots.
The cold front is expected to introduce a few showers and maybe a lightning storm today and tonight, but the overall rain and thunderstorm chances are staying low. Despite the increased moisture, forecasters say, instability is lacking, allowing only for a very low to low chance of showers overnight. Orlando residents can thus mainly expect warmth before the front passes through.
Thanksgiving Day, however, looks to bring a cooler shift. The front, moving through Central Florida by sunrise and heading south by late morning, will result in a drop in temperature and weather turning pleasantly cool and quiet. For those heading outdoors, anticipate temperatures kicking off from the upper 50s north of I-4, rising to upper 60s to lower 80s down south, with northerly winds adding a brisk touch to the air.
The following night is predicted to be "very chilly" as well. Thermometers could show readings dipping into the 40s and 50s, and "winds will push apparent temperatures down" further, possibly into the mid to upper 30s in some parts of the area. It's not looking likely for frost due to the persistent overnight winds, reported by the National Weather Service.
For those planning to take advantage of the holiday weekend for boating activities, Thursday and Friday could present some challenges. Conditions at sea are expected to deteriorate following the cold front's passage, with increasing northerly winds and building seas. Boaters are facing 15-20 knots of wind with seas building to 4-6 feet on Thursday and stronger winds up to 20-25 knots by early Friday, so caution is advised.
The National Weather Service also warns of sensitive fire weather conditions following the cold front, primarily due to low humidity and winds. The conditions could lead to increased fire danger, especially in parts of the northern counties where the minimum relative humidity could drop below 40%, and even to less than 30% further north.
Looking ahead into the weekend, the area is due for a gradual warming trend with easterly to southeasterly winds set to bring back some moderate temperatures, alongside a slight chance for rain in the first half of the upcoming week. However, Orlando locals and visitors are reminded that the weather can be as unpredictable as ever, so staying informed with the latest forecasts is key.
