Good morning, Central Florida. Here’s what you need to know today.

Your Weather Planner

We wrap up our Friday by heading into the first weekend of 2026, with building temperatures as highs begin to approach 70.

As winds shift out of the west Friday afternoon, temperatures will begin to build back closer to average. Cloud cover increases throughout the day, ahead of our next front, which arrives on Saturday.

Get the full forecast here.

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Highs: Upper 60s to low 70s   

Lows: Lower 50s

Rain Coverage: 0%

 

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Around Central Florida

1. New project will build up New Smyrna Beach dunes
The new year is bringing a new effort to prevent beach erosion at New Smyrna Beach. Crews are expected to launch a project next week to build up the beach dunes to protect the shore against flooding and erosion.

2. Nearly 700 manatees enjoy warm water at Blue Spring State Park on New Year’s Day
The start of the New Year typically means people get up and get moving to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. But for hundreds, the day was full of sitting and waiting. 

3. Future of Florida: Altamonte Springs tests technology to turn recycled water into drinking water
How soon could Florida residents begin making the switch to drinking recycled storm and sewer water? Experts say we can expect the change in the next few years. 

4. Central Floridians kick off the new year by getting active outside
As the New Year begins, many Central Floridians are setting resolutions focused on moving more and spending time outside. For some, that doesn’t mean signing up for a gym membership, it means simply getting fresh air and staying active with friends.

Around the Nation

1. About 40 people dead and 115 injured in fire at Swiss Alpine bar during New Year’s celebration

2. Rain soaks Rose Parade in California and snow squalls hit Midwest and Northeast on first day of 2026

3. Health subsidies expire, launching millions of Americans into 2026 with steep insurance hikes

4. Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor at historic subway station

Quote of the Day

While fans trickled into the Orange Bowl stadium for a quarterfinal where tickets were going for as little as $39, the commissioner of the Big 12 said “everything is on the table” when it comes to rebooting the College Football Playoff, including potentially moving more games onto campus.