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Next cold front brings severe weather threat to Central Florida. Here’s what to know

Threats include damaging wind gusts, small hail

An uneventful day is on tap across as high pressure keeps the region mostly dry. Despite the mostly cloudy skies this afternoon, temperatures will be warm in the upper 60s to near 70.

Expect a much warmer and muggier night this evening as a warm front lifts northward across the region. This will veer winds out of the south, increasing clouds and humidity and temperatures into early Tuesday. Along with temperatures in the 60s, breezy conditions will begin to develop overnight, especially along the coast.

A much more active weather pattern will set up on Tuesday as a potent front arrives into north Florida.

Severe risk in Central Florida (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Before the main front enters the area, temperatures will quickly rebound into the upper 70s to low 80s despite the widespread cloud cover. Southerly winds will increase to 20-30 mph with gusts up to 35-40 mph. A wind advisory will likely be issues for Tuesday.

The arrival of the front is expected to be around 5 p.m. into Marion County and then pushing through the area into the evening hours.

Central Florida cold front (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Along the front strong to severe storms will be a concern as instability remains high. For this reason, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted most of Central Florida under a slight risk (Level 2/5), and an enhanced risk for Marion county (Level 3/5).

Along the boundary damaging wind gusts of 60+ miles per hour look to be the primary threat, along with the threat small hail, frequent lightning and an isolated threat for tornadoes.

Storm hazards on Tuesday, Jan. 9 (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

Given that the storms will be moving through much of the area after the sun sets, make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings that are issued, like the Pinpoint Weather App.

Cold front on Jan. 9 (Copyright 2024 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.)

After the front moves south of the area by Wednesday morning, drier and cooler weather will set up with highs dropping more than 20 degrees compared to Tuesday. Highs Wednesday and Thursday are expected to cool into the mid 60s.