Melissa Donovan
As Floridians begin to feel the crisp air of late autumn, it’s becoming clear that this November will bring a distinct chill to the Sunshine State, especially as Thanksgiving approaches. Cooler temperatures are already making their presence known across Florida, but a real cold snap is expected to arrive in the days leading up to the holiday.
A Chilly Thanksgiving on the Horizon
By the end of this week and into the weekend, cooler air will start to filter into Florida, signaling the start of a more prolonged chill. However, it’s in the days before Thanksgiving that the real drop in temperatures will occur. A large ridge of high pressure is expected to build over the western U.S., bringing unseasonably warm conditions west of the Rockies. But while the West basks in mild temperatures, the jet stream will shift in a way that allows cold air from near the Arctic Circle to plunge into the eastern U.S.
The cold air is forecast to reach Florida as early as the weekend before Thanksgiving, with the core of the coldest temperatures expected to settle in by Monday, November 20, and last through the days before Thanksgiving. While there’s still some uncertainty in the exact timing, the overall pattern suggests that temperatures in Florida could be as much as 15 to 20 degrees below average for this time of year.
What to Expect in Florida
Morning temperatures could dip into the 40s and 50s across Central Florida, but it’s on the current weather patterns, it’s possible that Thanksgiving Day itself could bring a slightly cooler-than-usual holiday to Florida. While the state will not experience freezing temperatures, the cooling trend is a notable shift from the warm and humid conditions many Floridians are used to around this time of year.
A Glimpse of Winter to Come
This cold snap is just a preview of what could be a chillier-than-usual winter in Central Florida. While the overall pattern for the winter of 2024-2025 calls for warm and dry conditions, especially in December, January, and February, there will likely be cold fronts that push temperatures lower than what was experienced in the previous winter.
These brief but significant temperature drops are linked to the jet stream’s orientation, which is expected to bring pockets of Arctic air into the southeastern U.S. at intervals during the winter months. So, while residents can still expect a generally mild winter, those cold days and nights could feel even colder than they did in the past few years.
Preparing for the Chill
For Floridians, this is a good reminder that, even in the Sunshine State, winter can pack a punch. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors over the holiday weekend, be prepared for cooler temperatures—especially in the morning and evening hours. A jacket or sweater will be a must, and if you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, you might want to make sure your heating system is ready to combat the drop in temperature.
Whether you’re enjoying the cooler air with a cozy cup of coffee on the porch or bundling up for a holiday walk, this cold front will be a refreshing change of pace for those looking to get into the holiday spirit. Keep an eye on the weather as Thanksgiving approaches—this chill is sure to be one for the books.
As Florida prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving, the weather is taking a turn toward chilly as colder-than-usual air is set to move in. Temperatures could be 15 to 20 degrees below average, making for a cooler-than-usual holiday across the eastern U.S. This early taste of winter also signals that colder days could become more frequent over the next few months, even if the overall pattern for the winter remains warm and dry. For now, Floridians can expect some cold mornings and evenings—but hopefully, a warm, festive Thanksgiving to enjoy with family and friends.
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