Frozen Kingdom: Orlando Shivers Through Historic Cold Snap with Back-to-Back Freeze Warnings

Morning Frost and Extreme Cold Warnings

The city of Orlando is currently grappling with one of its most significant weather events in over a decade. As Monday, February 2, 2026, begins, residents are waking up to an environment that feels more like the northern United States than Central Florida. This rare arctic outbreak has brought temperatures to near-record lows, prompting the National Weather Service to issue multiple hazardous weather notices. The early morning hours are particularly critical, with temperatures plunging to a low of 29°F. An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 10:00 AM, as wind chills have dropped into the mid-teens, reaching as low as 16°F in some parts of the metro area.

Commuters should prepare for widespread frost across the region until approximately 9:00 AM. Local officials are urging residents to take extra time to defrost vehicle windshields and to ensure that all outdoor pets have been brought into climate-controlled environments. The air is exceptionally dry, and combined with a steady breeze, the risk of hypothermia for those not properly dressed is a serious concern.

Afternoon Sun: Bright but Brisk

As the morning frost melts, the sky is expected to remain clear and sunny throughout the day. However, the abundance of sunshine will provide little in the way of warmth. The projected high for Monday is only 54°F, which sits nearly 20 degrees below the seasonal average for early February. Winds will continue to blow from the northwest at 10 to 15 mph, maintaining a sharp, brisk edge to the air even during the peak of the day. While it may be a beautiful day for photography at the local theme parks, heavy winter coats, gloves, and scarves will remain necessary for anyone spending time outdoors.

Evening and Night: Another Freeze Approaching

The slight respite provided by the afternoon sun will be fleeting. By Monday evening, temperatures will begin another rapid descent under clear skies. While the early evening will be dry, a new Freeze Warning has been issued to take effect at 11:00 PM tonight and will last through Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM. Temperatures are expected to bottom out around 34°F within the city limits, though rural pockets and northern suburbs are likely to see freezing conditions once again. Frost is expected to redevelop after 1:00 AM on Tuesday.

Alerts and Safety Summary

• Extreme Cold Warning: Active until 10:00 AM Monday; wind chills in the teens.
• Freeze Warning: Effective from 11:00 PM tonight through 9:00 AM Tuesday.
• Wind Conditions: Northwest winds at 10-15 mph continuing through the day.
• Precipitation: 0% chance of rain; conditions remain exceptionally dry.

This cold snap is the most intense since 2010, making it essential for residents to practice the "Four Ps": protect people, pets, plants, and pipes. Local shelters have opened cold-weather stations, and experts recommend checking on elderly neighbors to ensure their heating systems are functioning safely.