Central Florida residents woke up to a thick blanket of fog on Sunday, December 28, 2025, as the National Weather Service in Melbourne issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the region. The advisory, which included Volusia, Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, and north Brevard counties, was in effect until 10 a.m., warning drivers of visibility dropping to less than a quarter mile in some areas. Commuters and early risers faced an eerie, stubborn fog that made travel along major corridors like I-4 a challenge. As reported by WESH 2, visibility in places such as Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Palm Coast was reduced to zero at times, prompting meteorologists to urge extra caution. "Drivers who encounter these reductions are encouraged to slow down, use low beam headlights, and leave plenty of following distance between vehicles," advised the National Weather Service.
Despite the foggy start, the region enjoyed unseasonably warm and sunny weather as the day progressed. Highs soared into the upper 70s, with some spots flirting with the low 80s, a pattern that had held steady for several weeks across Central Florida. According to the Orlando Sentinel, overnight lows dipped into the 50s, creating a pleasant contrast to the brisk mornings. The First Warning Weather Team at WESH 2 described the conditions as "mild," noting that the light winds were the culprit behind the persistent fog. "It’s going to take a while to mix out, even after the sun rises," they explained, but once the fog lifted, both locals and tourists were treated to ideal conditions for outdoor activities and theme park visits.
However, the mild spell was about to end abruptly. Meteorologists across multiple outlets, including News 6 Orlando and the Orlando Sentinel, warned that a powerful cold front was barreling toward the region, poised to bring a dramatic shift in weather just in time for New Year's celebrations. The front, developing as a robust storm system across the northern United States, was forecast to sweep through Central Florida late Monday night, December 29, 2025, into the early hours of Tuesday, December 30.
"Monday night into Tuesday is going to feel like you left the freezer door open all night long," remarked a News 6 Orlando meteorologist, capturing the mood as residents prepared for the sudden chill. The cold front was expected to yank down fresh Canadian air, causing temperatures to tumble rapidly. Highs on Tuesday were forecast to reach only the low 60s, a stark contrast to the balmy weather seen just days before.
Wind was another factor in the coming weather drama. As the front approached, winds were expected to increase to 10-15 mph, veering northwest behind the boundary. This uptick in wind would not only hasten the arrival of cold air but also amplify the wind chill. By Wednesday morning, December 31, the National Weather Service warned that feels-like temperatures could drop to the upper 20s in parts of Lake and northwest Volusia counties, with wind chills in the mid 20s for northern Central Florida. Orlando and surrounding areas, including Polk, Osceola, and Brevard counties, were expected to feel like the 30s as the wind cut through the region.
Actual low temperatures on Wednesday morning were predicted to hover between the upper 20s and mid 30s in the coldest inland spots, while Orlando itself could see lows in the 30s and 40s. Areas like Deland and The Villages were bracing for lows around 34 and 30 degrees, respectively, according to WESH 2. The cold snap was expected to persist through the New Year and into the first days of January 2026, a rare and bracing start to the year for Central Floridians accustomed to milder winters.
Beachgoers, too, faced hazards beyond the chill. On Sunday, December 28, the National Weather Service issued a high risk of rip currents for all central Florida Atlantic beaches, warning swimmers to stay out of the water. The treacherous conditions were forecast to last through Monday, December 29, as the approaching cold front stirred up the Atlantic. Boaters, meanwhile, were told to expect generally favorable conditions through Monday, but to prepare for rougher seas—up to 8 feet offshore—once the front arrived on Tuesday.
Fire weather also became a concern as the cold front promised to usher in much drier and cooler air. The National Weather Service cautioned that, while the front would bring little precipitation, it would increase fire sensitivity across the region from Tuesday through Friday. "There will be much drier and cooler conditions from Tue into Fri of next week," read their advisory, with lows potentially dipping into the 30s and 40s during the coldest mornings.
For those planning to ring in the New Year outdoors, forecasters recommended bundling up or even considering moving festivities indoors. By New Year's Eve night, December 31, temperatures in Orlando were expected to be in the mid 40s just before midnight, feeling even colder due to a persistent north-northwest breeze. "These cold temperatures will be with us through the New Year, so absolutely take this into account as you button up for the celebrations and plan your holiday occasion," advised News 6 Orlando. The First Warning Weather Team echoed the sentiment, warning of "impact weather" for Wednesday morning and urging residents to stay tuned for the latest updates.
Despite the frosty forecast, some found a silver lining in the sudden change. The arrival of true winter weather, after weeks of warmth, offered a rare opportunity for Floridians to break out their heavier coats and experience a taste of a northern winter. Still, the abrupt transition from highs in the 80s to wind chills in the 20s left many scrambling to adjust plans and wardrobes alike.
As Central Florida braced for the coldest air of the season, the message from meteorologists was clear: enjoy the fleeting warmth, take the fog and rip current advisories seriously, and prepare for a winter blast as 2025 gives way to 2026. With Mother Nature reminding everyone who’s in charge, the start of the new year promises to be both memorable and brisk for the Sunshine State.
