ORLANDO, Fla. – A cold front moved through Central Florida earlier Sunday, bringing in a pocket of dry air and changing up the weather pattern. Winds are picking up across the area with northerly breezes expected to blow at 5 to 10 mph, and wind gusts could reach as high as 22 mph, especially near the coastline.
Monday morning will start on a chilly note, with temperatures kicking off in the 40s and 50s. Out and about early? You might want to grab a light jacket. That breeze is expected to linger through the afternoon, so get ready for things to stay a bit gusty into the early part of the week.
While it feels cool in the mornings, temperatures are forecast to climb nicely as the day goes on.
There is a 20% chance for some light showers Monday afternoon, especially along the coast. Most of the week will be on the drier side. Christmas lands on Thursday this year and is forecast to be both pleasant and sunny, and by the weekend daytime highs could reach close to 80 degrees.
Extended dry spell and ongoing drought concerns
Despite the pleasant temperatures, the region remains abnormally dry. Measurable rainfall has been scarce, leaving areas such as Marion, Lake, and Sumter counties flagged for drought conditions. Central Florida is in its dry season, and unless the current weather pattern shifts, this abnormally dry status could expand eastward as the month wraps up and January begins.
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