Extreme Cold Watch advisory issued for all of Central Florida

All of Central Florida is under an extreme cold watch as a powerful arctic blast heads toward the Sunshine State.

A record freeze is expected to spread across Florida this weekend, sending temperatures as high as 20C.

A cold front is expected to arrive at midday Saturday, causing temperatures to drop rapidly throughout the evening and night.

The National Weather Service has issued an extreme cold watch for the region, which is expected to be upgraded to a warning.

Wind chill values ​​are expected to reach 9 to 12 degrees as the front will bring strong winds and arctic air.

The weather Friday is expected to be mostly sunny with high temperatures in the 70s.

These mild conditions provide residents with a window to complete their cold weather preparations before the front arrives.

Recommended steps include moving sensitive plants indoors, covering exposed pipes, and finding warm shelter for pets and animals.

Saturday will begin with temperatures in the 50s and a chance of light showers in the morning.

A cold front is expected to sweep through the area around midday, dropping temperatures into the 30s and 40s by 6 p.m.

Freezing conditions are expected in some locations by 9 p.m.

Overnight lows Saturday into Sunday are expected to fall between 20 and 25 degrees.

Forecasters say these temperatures could break existing cold records.

Winds are expected to gust between 35 and 40 mph during this time, making the air much colder.

Sunday afternoon will remain cold with sunny skies and a high in the mid 40s.

Even though the sun is out, wind chill values ​​are expected to remain in the 30s throughout the day.

Temperatures are expected to return to 20 degrees overnight Sunday into Monday morning.

Wind chill values ​​for the Monday morning commute to work and school are expected to be in the 15s to 20s.

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