Cold Front to Bring Chilly Wind Chills Across Florida Thursday Morning, With Feels-Like Temperatures Dropping Into the 30s and 40s
ORLANDO, FL — After a stretch of warm weather, Floridians are in for a chilly start to Thursday as a cold front sweeps across the state, pushing “feels like” temperatures into the 30s and 40s across much of northern and central Florida. Meteorologists say the drop will be brief but noticeable, marking one of the coldest mornings so far this month.
Wind Chills Expected in the 30s and 40s Across North and Central Florida
According to forecasts from WFLA News Channel 8, Thursday morning wind chills will dip into the upper 30s and low 40s across most of northern Florida, including Tallahassee, Lake City, and Jacksonville.
- Lake City will feel the coldest, with “feels like” readings near 35°F.
- Jacksonville and Tallahassee will both start the morning around 38–39°F.
- In Central Florida, temperatures will feel closer to 43–47°F in Inverness and Orlando, while coastal cities like Vero Beach will stay milder around 54°F.
Even Tampa and North Port will see chilly wind chills in the upper 40s to near 50°F, a stark contrast from last weekend’s highs in the 80s.
Cold Front Marks Temporary Cooldown for the Sunshine State
Meteorologists explain that the brief cool-down comes from a passing Arctic front that pushed south through Georgia and Alabama earlier in the week. As the front continues across Florida, colder, drier air from the north is expected to bring crisp conditions overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning.
“This will be a quick reminder that Florida does occasionally get winter,” one meteorologist joked. “It won’t last long, but it’ll have people reaching for their jackets.”
The cooler air is expected to linger through Thursday morning before temperatures rebound quickly later in the day.
Pets and Plants May Need Protection Overnight
Officials advise residents across northern and central Florida to take precautions for sensitive pets and plants, particularly in areas where wind chills approach the mid-30s. While temperatures will stay just above freezing, the strong north winds could stress outdoor vegetation and smaller animals left outside overnight.
Pet owners are encouraged to bring pets indoors or provide adequate shelter, and gardeners may want to cover delicate plants or move potted ones inside until temperatures rise after sunrise.
Warmer Weather Returns by the Weekend
The cold snap will be short-lived. Forecasters predict that by Friday afternoon, highs will rebound into the 70s and low 80s across most of the state. By the weekend, Florida is expected to return to its typical December warmth, with sunny skies and temperatures climbing back into the mid-80s in southern regions.
Despite the brief chill, Florida remains a warm contrast to the rest of the country, where many areas are facing Arctic cold and snow this week.
A Classic Florida Winter Moment
Thursday’s morning chill serves as a quick brush with winter for Floridians before returning to the sunshine and warmth that define the state’s winter season. “We’ll wake up shivering, but by lunchtime, it’ll feel like spring again,” one Tampa resident said.
Residents can expect clear skies, cool breezes, and sunshine by Thursday afternoon — the perfect setup for a brisk morning coffee before the state’s familiar warmth returns.
Stay updated with more Florida weather news and local coverage at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
