ORLANDO, Fla. — An arctic cold front is less than 12 hours away, prompting weather alert days for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Channel 9 meteorologist George Waldenberger said.

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Although the arctic cold air will “moderate,” or become “less cold” by the time it gets here, temperatures will begin dropping Friday afternoon.

By Saturday and Sunday mornings, a freeze will impact most of Central Florida.

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Freeze watches are in place for all areas except Coastal Brevard County. Wind chill advisories are also posted for Marion and Flagler counties Saturday morning.

The cold air is already spilling deeper into the Southern US, after some areas up north have dropped colder than 20 below, with wind chills already dipping below -50 degrees.

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Overnight tonight, pockets of fog and mist can’t be ruled out, plus a stray shower Friday as the front arrives in the morning. Then, a chill as the winds turn from the northwest and draw the cold air in, Waldenberger said.

Temperatures will already be falling fast by the end of the day Friday.

READ: Central Florida braces for arctic plunge through Christmas weekend

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