Freeze warning sign on highway — Courtesy: Shutterstock — Brian A Jackson
This weekend’s powerful cold front brought frigid temperatures to Florida, giving the state another taste of winter.
Saturday began with temperatures in the 30s and 40s, while Sunday’s highs in Central Florida were only predicted to reach the 50s.
On Saturday night, counties north of Orlando were under a Freeze Watch due to lows that hit below freezing. The 20s and 30s were predicted for Sunday’s morning lows.
“Models have trended even colder for tonight’s temperatures, especially to the south. Because of this, Frost Advisories are in effect for areas along and south of I-4 with Freeze Warnings in effect elsewhere where lows will fall to 28-32 degrees overnight. Make sure to protect those plants if you haven’t already,” FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Ian Cassette said.
From 4 a.m. until 8 a.m. Sunday, inland Volusia, Osceola, Okeechobee, and southern and northern Lake counties were placed under a Freeze Warning. Frost and freeze conditions, according to the National Weather Service, may destroy crops, other delicate vegetation, and possibly even harm exposed outdoor plumbing.
What about snow when widespread frost is anticipated? You might recall that on Christmas morning, Central Florida people posted footage of ice pellets, sometimes known as sleet, falling from the sky onto their yards on social media. In Central Florida, it was one of the coldest Christmases on record, with wake-up temperatures in the low 20s and 30s.
However, FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Ian Cassette believes it’s unlikely that any snow will fall this week.
“Temperatures won’t be as cold as Christmas weekend thankfully! They’ll be about 10 degrees warmer for lows compared to Christmas morning. There also is no chance of any wintry weather since the air is really dry!”
You still need to take certain precautions to get yourself and your family ready for the freezing weather, even though snow is probably not going to be falling.
Bring your dogs inside and be cautious to cover your plants. Use secure heating systems inside as well. Grills should not be used because, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, they generate dangerous carbon monoxide.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
