Brevard, it’ll be cold outside as Christmas chill descends on Space Coast

There may be an actual use for all of those ugly Christmas sweaters stuffed in the closet.

National Weather Service forecasters say Christmas weekend could be one of the first Noels in Central Florida in years that might have temperatures near or below freezing. “No records will be set but it’s going to be cold,” said Scott Kelly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

The record low temperature for Christmas in Brevard was 21 degrees, set in 1983, when Ronald Reagan was president and orange groves grew freely across the Space Coast.

The bone-chilling cold forecast for Christmas Eve and Christmas raises concerns for the homeless as the wintry blast moves in one one busiest holiday weekends of the year. It also may affect Christmas plans for those in Brevard with temperatures that don’t exactly shout beach weather.

Later this week, an area of low pressure will boost rain chances and even bring a few thunderstorms to Brevard. By Friday, temperatures will drop even further as winds also make the weather feel even colder on the skin. Clouds will also move in on Christmas Day.

Mike Letsch fishing at sunrise on a cool Tuesday morning near Suseda Park in Viera. The forecast for this coming weekend is for much colder weather. Letsch, originally from Long Island, N.Y. is not concerned, saying ” It’s gonna feel like a beautiful Fall day.” He jokes that the winter chill may result in him having to wear a sweater. (Photo: TIM SHORTT/ FLORIDA TODAY)

“We could see wind chill values in the 20s. It’s going to be a cold Christmas Eve and a cold Christmas. The high temperatures will hold in the 50s,” Kelly said.

But don’t get your hopes up for a white Christmas. Kelly said residents should not expect to see any semblance of snow or flurries with the cold snap.

Cold and snow chances through Dec. 28

Temperatures began dropping in Brevard overnight Sunday to 47 degrees following another recent cold front, weather officials reported. Typically, area shelters – all privately run – open to the area’s homeless population once temperatures drop below 45 degrees.

“While we don’t open the shelters or run them, we certainly are in communication with those agencies that do. This is the first cold snap of the year, we need to make sure that these organizations are ready,” said Don Walker, spokesperson for Brevard County Emergency Management, adding that the county will help spread the word about any openings.

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One concern, however, is that the cold snap will fall on one of the busiest weekends for church services, at the same time when shelters will be needed. For now, no shelters have announced opening.

Stu Mulholland and his dog Tara on a cool Tuesday morning at Suseda Park in Viera. Chilly enough for a jacket, but still comfortable for shorts. That will change this Christmas weekend. The forecast for this coming weekend is for much colder weather.

Safetywise, Brevard County Fire Rescue and other agencies are reminding residents to review plans and to test out equipment such as central heating units and space heaters.

“Remember when you turn on your heater, you might think your house is on fire when it’s really all of that dust burning off,” Walker said.

Residents are also reminded to take in cold-sensitive plants in addition with any pets.

J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @JDGallop.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Space Coast residents could see Christmas chill