Winter Thaw: Rain arrives ahead of a major warm-up

Orlando Weather Forecast: 20s and 30s wind chill returning

FOX 35 Storm Team Senior Meteorologist Noah Bergren is tracking rain showers for Thursday morning with a big drop in temperature for Friday morning with gusty winds.

ORLANDO, Fla. - If you’ve been shivering through the recent freezing spell, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. 

While we have a soggy commute and a breezy Friday to get through first, a significant weather pattern change is about to bring a "spring-forward" feel to Central Florida.

Tonight: Increasing Clouds and Incoming Showers

A cold front is approaching from the north, and you’ll notice the change tonight as clouds thicken and winds begin to gust.

Timing: Expect showers to reach Gainesville and Ocala around 10:00 PM. The rain will track south, reaching Orlando between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

Temperatures: It won't be nearly as bitter as recent nights. Lows will settle comfortably in the upper 40s and low 50s.

Thursday: A Gloomy Start with Much-Needed Rain

The morning commute in Orlando might be a bit slow tomorrow as the front lingers. The good news? No severe weather is in the cards—just steady, light rain.

For our northwestern neighbors in Gainesville and Ocala, this rain is more than just a nuisance. These areas are currently battling extreme drought conditions. While we only expect totals between a few hundredths of an inch and 0.50" at most, every drop helps.

Friday: Sunny, Breezy, and the Start of a Trend

Friday morning will feel quite crisp. While the actual temperatures will be in the mid to upper 30s, gusty winds up to 20 mph will make it feel like the low 30s.

However, the afternoon marks the beginning of our big warming trend. We’ll see gorgeous sunny skies with highs rebounding into the low 60s. By Friday night, the cold air begins to retreat, with lows only dipping into the upper 40s.

Looking Ahead: A ‘big game' heat wave?

Get ready for a huge pattern change! A massive ridge of high pressure is set to anchor itself over the center of the country, pumping warmer air into Florida.

The Big Game & Beyond

Super Bowl Sunday (Feb 8): If you're hosting a watch party for the Patriots vs. Seahawks, the weather will be a winner. Expect low 70s and abundant sunshine.

Mid-February: We could see temperatures approaching 80°F as we head toward Valentine’s Day and the Daytona 500.

Race Week Watch: While the long-range forecast looks mostly dry, race organizers are keeping a close eye on a potential cold front leading up to Daytona 500. We’ll have a clearer picture this weekend of whether rain will impact this weekend.