ORLANDO, Fla. – A cold front that brought snow and a wintry mix to a large portion of the country has now dropped temperatures below freezing for parts of Central Florida.

"We are pinpointing a front bringing big changes across Central Florida," News 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges said. "Snow is stretching all the way from Maine through the New England states, down into Georgia, Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle. As the front approaches, it will encounter much drier air. This will keep it from bringing us any snow or rain."

Very cold air reached the Orlando area Wednesday night.

There is a hard freeze warning in effect for Marion and Flagler counties until 9 a.m. Thursday.

"This means temperatures will be between 20 to 26 degrees for several hours," Bridges said. "It is time to take care of sensitive vegetation livestock and exposed pipes."

There is a freeze watch for most of the rest of Central Florida. where temperatures will be below freezing for several hours.

[RELATED: Space heater tips | Smoke alarm safety | Save money during winter | Manatees]

The coldest air will reach the Orlando area Thursday morning, with temps dipping into the 20s and 30s.

Highs will reach the mid-50s on Thursday.

[WEATHER: Extended forecast | Radar | Warnings | Pinpoint Weather Zones]

[DOWNLOAD: Pinpoint, Hurricane apps | SHARE: Weather pictures]

"Expect highs back in the 70s for the weekend and the start of next week," Bridges said.

It’s not what I am used to from Michigan, but it’s just enough to warrant a Florida snow day. 😉🌴❄️ pic.twitter.com/mlHU7TvE0v — 🚲Dave Schmittou EdD🚲 (@daveschmittou) January 17, 2018

Orlando-area water parks, including Universal's Volcano Bay and Disney's Blizzard Beach, will be closed Wednesday and Thursday due to the low temperatures in the forecast. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon is already closed for an annual refurbishment.

Snow in the FL Panhandle ❄️ Posted by News 6 WKMG / ClickOrlando on Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Cold Night Advisory

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in downtown Orlando has declared Wednesday and Thursday as "cold nights," meaning that the facility will not refuse anyone seeking shelter from the cold, regardless of space. Beginning at 7 p.m., overflow space will be available at the coalition at 639 W. Central Blvd.

The First United Methodist Church at 201 S. Park Ave. in Apopka will also open its doors to anyone who wanting to get out of the cold. Doors open at 6 p.m. Soup will be served.

Two Lake County churches will offer overnight sheltering Wednesday and Thursday.

LifePointe Church at 3551 East Orange Ave. in Eustis

First Baptist Church of Mount Dora at 1000 1st Ave. in Mount Dora

Trinity Assembly of God at 200 Urick St. in Fruitland Park

Cathedral of Power Church at 100 E. Minnehaha Ave. in Clermont

Warming stations have also been established at two locations, and will operate on Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Salvation Army at 2605 South St. in Leesburg

The Open Door, 115 Citrus Ave. in Eustis

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.