The city of Orlando is feeling the effects of a sudden and unseasonable cold snap that has gripped much of the southeastern United States. On Friday, February 21, 2025, residents woke up to a crisp and chilly 42°F (5°C), a sharp contrast to the usual warmth Orlando is known for during February.
This unexpected Arctic blast has brought unusually low temperatures, leading to clear skies and bitterly cold mornings. Though Orlando’s mild winter temperatures are typically in the 60s and 70s, this cold front has taken many residents by surprise.
What to Expect in the Coming Days
- Friday, February 21 – The day will be sunny to partly cloudy, but it’s still unseasonably cool, with highs of 63°F (17°C). The evening will dip to 47°F (8°C), so don’t forget your jacket!
- Saturday, February 22 – You’ll get some relief with more sun, though it’s still a bit cooler than usual, with highs reaching 71°F (22°C). Overnight temperatures will stay mild, dropping to 54°F (12°C).
- Sunday, February 23 – Expect a beautiful day with intervals of clouds and sun. Highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows around 54°F (12°C) will bring some comfort.
- Monday, February 24 – More cloud cover and light rain will move in, with highs of 73°F (23°C) and low temperatures around 50°F (10°C).
- Tuesday, February 25 – The warmth begins to return, with plenty of sunshine and highs of 75°F (24°C). The night will be cooler, with temperatures dipping to 52°F (11°C).
- Wednesday, February 26 – A beautiful sunny day, with highs climbing to 78°F (26°C), and lows at 56°F (14°C).
- Thursday, February 27 – More sunshine with highs near 77°F (25°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C), signaling a more typical Orlando winter day.
Why Is It So Cold in Orlando Right Now?
This rare cold snap is part of a larger weather pattern that’s impacting much of the United States. The culprit? A massive Arctic air mass that has made its way south from the polar regions. This frigid air is now sweeping across the Southeast, including Florida, causing temperatures to plummet below the normal range for this time of year.
While Florida is known for its generally warm winters, this cold front is causing temperatures to drop into the 40s in some areas—something that’s relatively rare for the state. Orlando typically enjoys mild winter temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making this cold snap especially surprising for residents.
Across the country, millions of people are feeling the effects of this Arctic blast, which has sent temperatures plunging as far south as Texas and Florida. In some parts of the country, wind chills are dropping to life-threatening lows, with areas in the Midwest experiencing wind chills as low as -51°F. Though Orlando isn’t experiencing that level of cold, it’s certainly feeling the chill.
How to Stay Safe During This Cold Snap
- Dress in layers – While it might be tempting to wear light clothing in Florida, this cold snap calls for heavier jackets, scarves, and hats. Layering is key to staying warm.
- Protect your plants – This isn’t the typical winter for Florida, and if you have sensitive plants, you may want to bring them inside or cover them for extra protection.
- Watch out for cold-sensitive pets – Bring pets indoors or make sure they have a warm shelter if they need to be outside.
- Check on the elderly – If you have elderly neighbors or relatives, be sure they are staying warm, as they are more vulnerable to colder temperatures.
- Drive cautiously – Though it’s unlikely, frost could form on roads during the early morning hours. Drive slowly and be careful if you’re on the road.
When Will Orlando Warm Up Again?
The good news is that this cold snap won’t last long. By Saturday, temperatures will start climbing, and by Sunday, Orlando will return to more typical February conditions, with highs in the 70s.
The rest of the week looks much warmer, with sunshine and mild conditions returning, and Orlando should see highs back up into the mid-70s by next week. For now, enjoy the rare chill and make sure you stay bundled up during the coldest nights.
