ORLANDO, Fla. — Temperatures in Central Florida have been so cold the past few days that the number of manatees searching for warm spots broke a record at Blue Spring State Park.

The state park in Volusia County confirmed it counted 552 manatees Wednesday. The previous record was 485 manatees.

Blue Spring State Park is a popular place for manatees to go when it's cold. The spring stays at a constant warm temperature, warmer certainly than other waterways in the area. 

You may also see large numbers of manatees in canals or near electric plants this week.

TODAY'S FORECAST

Cold temperatures are expected again for Thursday morning, but we will start to warm back up as we head toward the weekend.

Unfortunately, though, we're looking at the potential for a few showers each day through Sunday. 

Mostly cloudy skies will continue overnight with winds continuing out of the north. This has pulled in some cold air that will again drop temperatures into the mid to low 40s. Our northern counties will wake up to temperatures in the 30s. 

After the cold start, we will get a little warmer for Thursday afternoon but stay below average. Under mostly cloudy skies, highs will reach the mid to low 60s. We’ll be back in the 70s Friday as well as this weekend.

High pressure to our north will create an onshore flow that may push a few showers inland Thursday.

On Friday, the easterly wind will push a disturbance toward our coast and help to increase the chance for rain to end the work week. We’ll keep this pattern for the next several days, so expect more clouds than sun and a passing shower.

Beach and Surf Forecast

Beach and boating conditions look hazardous Thursday, with choppy waters and an elevated rip current threat. A small craft advisory has been issued.

We want your pictures!

Show us what the weather looks like in your neighborhood. Your photo could end up on Spectrum News 13.

  • Get the Spectrum News 13 app for iOS or Android
  • Tap "Submit Content" at the bottom of the app menu
  • Remember to include your name and location