Local

Temperatures quickly falling; freeze warning in effect

ORLANDO, Fla. — 8 p.m. Thursday: 

Volusia County is added to the hard freeze warning area. Lake, Marion and Volusia Counties, along with neighboring cities in surrounding counties will likely experience temperatures below 28 degrees for at least 4 hours after midnight.

Another freezing night in Central Florida

Hard freeze warning area extended.

Posted by Irene Sans on Thursday, January 4, 2018

3 p.m. Thursday:

Temperatures reached the low 50s across much of Central Florida by 3 p.m. Thursday. Another freezing night is expected tonight, temperatures dropping to the mid to upper 20s across rural areas of Central Florida. From Lake County northward, there is a hard freeze warning in effect tonight. If you are in rural areas across Northwest Orange and Seminole you could also experience a hard freeze, make sure to bring pets indoors and protect your plants.

Temperatures will quickly fall right after sunset as there is lots of dry air and dry air cools much faster after we lose the day's heating.

9 a.m. Thursday:

Orlando on Thursday morning experienced its first freeze in four years, which means temperatures dipped below 32 degrees, Channel 9 certified meteorologist Brian Shields said.

With temperatures in the 20s and 30s, Central Florida residents awoke Thursday to the coldest start in years, and a light breeze made it feel even colder out, Shields said. Frost was seen throughout the region.

"Freeze warnings are up this morning for all of us," he said. "Today, despite lots of sun, we’ll stay chilly. Highs will only hit 53, which is about 20 degrees below average."

Temperatures will drop to the 20s and 30s again Thursday evening and Friday morning.

"Protect the plants tonight," Shields said. "Since the winds will be light to calm, frost will be more likely. Also, don’t forget the pets. Bring them inside."

Friday evening will also be cold, but temperatures will gradually rise through the weekend, he said.

"Sixties return for highs on Sunday, and we’ll have 70s on Monday," Shields said. "Florida makes a comeback."

Use #StormAlert9 or email news@wftv.com to share your photos and video of Thursday's frost.

Watch how to stay warm during the Florida chill: