First-Ever Extreme Cold Warning Issued For Central Florida

Most of Florida is under an extreme cold warning as a rare blast of arctic air is expected to sweep deep into the Sunshine State overnight, sending wind chills into the single digits.

It's the first-ever extreme cold warning issued for central Florida, according to local news reports. An extreme cold warning is issued when dangerously cold air—either actual temperatures or wind chill values—is imminent or occurring, typically within the next 12 to 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service.

The life-threatening conditions mean frostbite could occur in minutes, according to weather officials.

Highs will slowly rebound during the week, with Wednesday forecast to be the warmest day of the next week with a high of 71 degrees.

An extreme cold warning and freeze warning have been issued for the following counties from 10 p.m. Saturday through 10 a.m. Sunday: Sumter, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, Coastal Levy, Coastal Citrus, Coastal Hernando, Coastal Pasco, Inland Levy, Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Insland Pasco, Inland Hillsborough, Inland Manatee and Inland Charlotte. A wind advisory is in effect through 7 a.m. Sunday

Wind chill factors as low as 8 degrees are expected and temperatures as low as 20 degrees are also in the forecast. Under these conditions, frostbite can occur within 30 minutes to exposed skin, according to the National Weather Service.

Wind gusts as high as 35 mph are also expected, which could lead to downed tree limbs and power outages. In addition, an extended period of freezing temperatures could lead to ruptured water pipes.

Residents are urged to:

• Use caution while driving
• Secure outdoor objects
• Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside
• Keep pets indoors as much as possible
• Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors
• Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside
• Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold

For more updates, check the National Weather Service.

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