J.D. Gallop

FLORIDA TODAY

Winter is set to make another appearance along the Space Coast as the coldest temperatures of the year are set to descend this weekend, along with thundershowers and strong seas and gusty winds.

The Big Change from the balmy weather of the last few days could begin as soon as Friday evening as rain showers move in with winds gusting up 20 mph by Saturday morning. For many, the changing temperatures will mean bringing in pets, pulling out winter clothes and monitoring outdoor plants.

“This winter has been pretty warm overall. But we’ve got a strong cold front moving toward the area by early Saturday morning, with temperatures dropping throughout the day,” said Matt Volkmer, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne.

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The change, felt across much of the state, will be a break from the unseasonably warm temperatures reported in recent weeks.

The cold front will begin arriving in Central Florida and Brevard overnight Friday, bringing with it a high chance of showers. By Saturday, the highs will remain in the low 70s but will then begin to drop to a low of about 50 degrees.

“It’ll also be pretty windy. That will make conditions hazardous out over the Atlantic. We could also see some 12-foot seas,” Volkmer said.

On Sunday, the high temperature is expected to peak at 58 degrees with winds as high as 20 mph with slightly stronger wind gusts. By Monday, weather officials said the temperatures will begin to warm up again, jumping into the mid to low 60s and then into the low 70s by Tuesday, and Wednesday, 75 degrees.

"Temperatures will moderate by Monday," Volkmer said.