Orlando residents and visitors alike should be prepared for a range of weather conditions as the New Year approaches. Early hours of Monday have already seen the development of dense fog across East Central Florida, with the National Weather Service issuing a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 10 AM EST. While the fog is expected to dissipate by mid-late morning, the visibility reductions of 1 mile or less can pose significant hazards, especially on the road.
In addition to the fog, beachgoers are strongly discouraged from entering the surf due to a HIGH risk of dangerous rip currents at all central Florida Atlantic beaches. The persistent ENE long-period swells contribute to numerous, strong, life-threatening currents forecasted for today. A strong cold front moving overnight into Tuesday is also expected to bring a plunge in temperatures, leading to a chilly entry into the New Year. Temperatures, which started off in the 50s, are forecasted to drop even further into Tuesday, with some areas potentially hitting the upper 30s.
Boasting conditions will also become more challenging late today with the approach of the strong cold front. Mariners should be aware that a Small Craft Advisory will go into effect this evening, expanding to all local waters by Tuesday morning. The West to Northwest winds will increase alongside the front, and seas, currently at 2-4 ft, are set to build tonight to 4-6 ft near shore and 5-8 ft offshore by early Tuesday morning. Post-frontal conditions will gradually improve mid to late week, with winds and seas expected to decrease.
For those on land, the significant drop in humidity post-frontal could result in heightened fire sensitivity from Tuesday through Friday. Residents should be aware of local fire warnings and advisories during this period. As the week progresses, the cold temperatures are anticipated to persist into Wednesday, with a slow warming trend forecasted to begin by Friday.
