The Marion County school district is bracing for a significant drop in temperatures as a powerful Arctic cold front makes its way through the area.

On Tuesday, the region will experience a freeze warning alongside a cold weather advisory, signaling the arrival of the chilly conditions.

Residents can expect feels-like temperatures to dip to approximately 26 degrees Fahrenheit by Tuesday morning, with the possibility of frost forming in some locations.

In preparation for the cold snap, Marion County Public Schools have arranged for staff to report early to ensure that school buses are functioning efficiently and are adequately heated for the morning routes.

To keep school facilities warm, HVAC systems will remain operational throughout the night, ensuring that classrooms are comfortable for both students and staff upon their arrival.

“First and foremost, we encourage parents to send their kids to school with extra layers of clothing and, of course, with winter jackets if they have them,” MCPS Spokesman Kevin Christian said.

More than 2,000 students are expected to take part in a Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Ocala-Marion County Veterans Park.

Christian said the event will happen as scheduled, although families were urged to prepare their students for the cold weather.

“We reminded our students and families to wear winter clothing, dress in layers,” Christian said. “We’ve already sent out messaging to our principals and to our teachers to bring some extra blankets and those kinds of things to keep those kids warm.”

Cold, dry air will continue to push down from the north, keeping temperatures much lower than normal for at least a day.

High temperatures are expected to rebound to 70 degrees by Wednesday and climb further to seasonal norms by the weekend.