Cold Snap Could Be Worst Since Jan. 1985

An arctic high-pressure system could bring down temperatures to the low 20s this morning and a wind chill of 15 degrees

There is a "nearly zero" percent chance of snow in the area, but there will be a sustained period of sub-freezing temperatures today, according to the National Weather Service.

These next few days might be the coldest on record since the notorious deep freeze in 1985.

"Most of our area is not threatened to break any records," said National Weather Service forecaster Rick Davis. "In 1985, we had an extremely cold snap."

Brooksville recorded all-time lows of 13, 14 and 13 degrees, respectively from Jan. 20 to 22.

"There will be a widespread frost as well," Davis said. "People should wear layers when they go outside."

The cause of the cold weather is an Arctic cold front from the Northwest Territory in Canada, which has made its way over West Central Florida, Davis said. It followed a cold front that passed through the area Tuesday.

A hard freeze warning is in effect from 2 to 8 a.m. today.

The coldest conditions are expected tonight and early Thursday morning. Lows could drop to 20 degrees.

The winds will be calm, so no additional chill is expected, Davis said.

High temperatures should jump back into the 70s by the weekend.