Orlando, FL – Residents across Central Florida can expect a stretch of mostly dry and seasonable weather through the holiday period, as high pressure continues to dominate conditions across the Gulf Coast and Southeast, according to forecasters.
While temperatures will remain above average for late December in the short term, a strong cold front early next week is expected to bring a sharp cooldown.
High Pressure Keeps Conditions Calm Through Christmas
From Wednesday night through Thursday, atmospheric high pressure aloft will remain firmly in control, limiting rain chances and keeping skies relatively quiet across the region. At the surface, another area of high pressure over the southeastern United States is gradually shifting southward toward the Florida peninsula.
By Christmas Day, this setup will result in light north to northeast winds, generally staying below 10 mph. The calm wind pattern will help maintain comfortable conditions for outdoor holiday activities, particularly inland.
Despite the overall dry pattern, meteorologists note that moisture levels will remain limited, especially in the mid to upper levels of the atmosphere, where dry air is firmly in place.
Isolated Sprinkles Possible Along the Coast
Although most areas will stay dry, a brief sprinkle or isolated light shower cannot be ruled out late Wednesday night. A combination of onshore flow and a weak backdoor front could allow some moisture to move inland from the Atlantic Ocean.
These spotty showers are expected to mainly impact the Treasure Coast, while inland communities across Central Florida should remain rain-free. No widespread rainfall or storms are anticipated during this period.
Fog Could Impact Travel Overnight
Drivers should be aware of patchy fog, which is expected to develop late Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, especially along and north of the I-4 corridor. Visibility may be reduced in some areas, making early-morning travel hazardous.
Forecasters also warn that additional fog could develop again Thursday night into Friday morning. Motorists traveling during foggy conditions are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use low-beam headlights for better visibility.
Warm Days and Cool Nights Continue
Temperatures will remain seasonable to slightly above normal for late December. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the mid to upper 70s both Thursday and Christmas Day, providing pleasant daytime conditions.
Overnight temperatures will cool into the 50s across inland areas, while communities closer to the coast can expect upper 50s to low 60s. This pattern offers mild evenings without the need for heavy winter layers.
Dry and Warm Pattern Persists Through the Weekend
From Friday through Sunday, an upper-level trough will deepen across the eastern United States, though surface high pressure will remain nearby. Winds will gradually shift from westerly on Friday to west to northwest over the weekend, remaining generally light.
Despite the wind shift, dry weather is expected to continue throughout the weekend, with no significant rain chances forecast. Coastal areas will still experience daily sea breezes during the afternoons.
Temperatures will stay above normal for late December, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 70s to near 80 degrees. Overnight lows will mostly settle into the 50s, keeping nights comfortably cool.
Strong Cold Front Brings Sharp Cooldown Next Week
Looking ahead to Monday into Tuesday, a stronger cold front is expected to move through Central Florida. While the front appears mostly dry for inland locations, a few showers may develop over the Atlantic waters.
Behind the front, much cooler and drier air will surge into the region. High temperatures on Monday will remain near normal in the mid to upper 70s, but conditions will change dramatically by Tuesday.
Daytime highs on Tuesday are expected to range from the mid to upper 50s across northern areas to the mid 60s farther south. Overnight lows will dip into the 30s and 40s, with chilly wind chills possible early Tuesday morning, particularly in northern inland communities.
Are you looking forward to cooler weather, or do you prefer the warm holiday conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion.
