ORLANDO, Fla. – If you’re hoping for fleece blankets and hot chocolate this holiday season, Central Florida may have other plans.
We are on track for a mild and warm Christmas stretch, with temperatures likely running above average - not only across Florida, but much of the United States.
Forecasts from the Climate Prediction Center highlight broad areas of “warmer than normal” readings extending over Florida.
[VIDEO BELOW: Children ask Santa for safe spaces]
Morning lows will start off mild, hovering in the mid-50s instead of the average 53-degree mark for Christmas morning.
In Orlando, the low is forecast at 55 degrees, while Kissimmee starts around 56 degrees.
By the afternoon, things really heat up, with highs close to 80 degrees possible in several spots, including Orlando, which may come within a degree or two of that milestone.
Expect highs on Christmas Day to reach about 77 degrees in Clermont, and 74 degrees in Daytona Beach and Melbourne.
[VIDEO BELOW: Lighting of Lake Eola Christmas tree]
Quick cold front, then rebound
While winter technically arrives on Sunday, it certainly won’t feel like it.
A cold front is expected to sweep across Central Florida by midday today, bringing early clouds and isolated sprinkle.
Some areas, like Ocala and The Villages, might see morning temperatures dip into the mid-40s on Saturday, but the cooler temps won’t last.
By Saturday afternoon and through Sunday, highs in the mid- to upper 70s return.
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