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.
Important tip/reminder!
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) January 5, 2018
Please share with your friends. Bundle up and stay safe!
Por favor, recuerden dejar por lo menos 3 pies de espacio alrededor del calentador portátil. Abríguense y cuidense. #stormalert9 #flwx pic.twitter.com/FjvCSI6bCe
Another freezing night in Central FloridaHard freeze warning area extended.
Posted by Irene Sans on Thursday, January 4, 2018
While #Orlando froze this morning, Melbourne, FL didn't (at the airport) and their unfrozen streak will continue!
— George Waldenberger (@GWaldenWFTV) January 4, 2018
I'm updating how close to freezing tonight on#WFTV now. #Florida pic.twitter.com/89a9qGvZGf
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.
It popped up in my car yesterday.. did it happen to yours too??
— Irene Sans (@IreneSans) January 4, 2018
Tire pressure: Cold air vs. warm air. #StormAlert9 #cold #coldweather pic.twitter.com/b6NaWo6SNR
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.
This is how it feels as of 5 AM in Central Florida...20s! pic.twitter.com/eHCCWC7a9f
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) January 4, 2018
"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.
Freezing in Orlando! Orlando dropped to the freezing point for the 1st time in 4 years! pic.twitter.com/o9TOB7tWsT
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) January 4, 2018
"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.
Frosty start in Orlando! Sent in by Enid. pic.twitter.com/xcR83g8nTM
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) January 4, 2018
"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.
Take a look a these temps right now! Bundle up for sure!! pic.twitter.com/x4W578moJR
— Brian Shields (@BrianWFTV) January 4, 2018
Watch how to stay warm during the Florida chill:
Cox Media Group