Central Florida Under Freeze Watch as Arctic Air Arrives

Central Florida, home to major theme park destinations including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, is under a freeze watch as a surge of cold air moves into the region Thursday night and Friday morning.

A cold front is expected to pass through during the morning hours on Thursday, bringing increased rain chances and a noticeable drop in temperatures. Forecasters say there could be several hours of heavy rain in the early morning. By the afternoon, conditions are expected to be cloudy, with skies gradually clearing by the evening.

Strong winds will accompany the front, with speeds between 15 and 25 miles per hour during the afternoon and evening, making it feel even colder as temperatures fall.

The coldest conditions are expected Friday morning, with temperatures dropping into the 20s and 30s across Central Florida. Despite the cold start, Friday is expected to be sunny, with daytime highs reaching the 50s.

Another cold front is forecast to arrive on Sunday, with overnight temperatures dipping back into the 30s into Monday morning.

Orlando’s theme parks operate year-round and will remain open during the cold weather. However, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Universal Volcano Bay have confirmed closures through Friday, January 16, due to the weather conditions.

UPDATE (January 15, 2026, at 12 AM EST): The National Weather Service has upgraded the Freeze Watch to a Freeze Warning in effect from 1 AM to 9 AM Friday.