Forecasters: Warmer temps expected for this weekend

After a fairly cold week, forecasters say Central Florida should finally climb back to near-average temperatures for what should be a pleasant weekend.

Most of the area was under a frost advisory Thursday morning as temperatures dropped into the 30s — well below the average low of 53 degrees — marking one of the coldest days this winter, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

Some northern areas, including in Marion, Lake and Volusia counties, even dipped below freezing for a short while.

But forecasters say the cold is gone, for now.

Temperatures this weekend should be near normal with highs in the mid-70s and lows overnight near 50 degrees.

Forecasters are predicting an abundance of sun and light north-northwest winds of 5 to 10 mph.

The warmer weather should start this afternoon with a high near 75 degrees, according to the Weather Service.

Saturday and Sunday might not be quite as warm, but forecasters say both afternoons should still be close to average. Temperatures on Sunday should reach 65 degrees — about the same as Valentine’s Day last year.

Forecasts are calling for warmer weather to last through the middle of next week.

There’s a slight chance for clouds and showers early in the week, but forecasters say the days should otherwise be fairly nice.

February started out warm with four days of temperatures at least 10 degrees above average in the low-80s, according to Weather Service records. A series of cold fronts have since kept temperatures below 70 degrees.

This month has so far been slightly drier than normal, with Orlando recording just over a half inch of rain.

Forecasters say every day has been partly cloudy.