Central Florida Gets a Taste of Fall as Drier Air Arrives

ORLANDO, Fla. – A cold front moving south across Central Florida is ushering in drier air and setting the stage for the coolest mornings the region has experienced in months this weekend.

A few isolated showers developed Thursday morning, but rain chances will gradually decrease as the front pushes farther south. A passing shower remains possible, with coverage around 20% to 30% during the day. High temperatures will reach the mid to upper 80s.

The most noticeable shift will be in the humidity. Drier air is beginning to settle into Central Florida behind the front, and the lower moisture levels should become especially apparent Friday and throughout the weekend.

By Saturday morning, temperatures across much of the area are expected to fall into the 60s. Orlando International Airport could drop into the upper 60s. The last time the temperature at MCO fell below 70 degrees was June 8, when the low hit 69. By Saturday, it will have been roughly 110 days since Orlando last recorded a temperature in the 60s.

Lows should stay in the 60s through the weekend, while afternoon temperatures remain mostly in the 80s. With humidity levels lower, both mornings and evenings will feel considerably more comfortable.

Gusty winds and St. Johns River concerns

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The front is also producing a marked increase in north to northeast winds. Gusts may reach 30 to 35 mph Thursday, particularly near the coast, and breezy conditions are expected to continue Friday and through at least the first half of the weekend.

The sustained northerly flow is creating concerns along the St. Johns River near Astor. The river is currently at Action Stage and is expected to reach Minor Flood Stage Thursday evening. The rise is not the result of additional rainfall; strong winds from the north can slow or temporarily reverse the river’s flow, causing water levels to increase. Minor flooding may persist through at least the weekend.

Beach and offshore conditions are expected to be hazardous as well. Strong winds will generate rough surf, a powerful longshore current and a heightened risk of rip currents. Even with more pleasant weather arriving this weekend, beachgoers should remain especially cautious.

Fay is a tropical storm again

In the Atlantic, Fay has strengthened back into a tropical storm. According to the latest National Hurricane Center advisory, Fay had maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and was moving west-southwest at 9 mph. The storm was located well out in the Atlantic, about 935 miles west-southwest of the Azores, with no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Little change in strength was expected over the next day or two before Fay gradually weakened. The storm poses no threat to Florida.