ORLANDO, Fla. – Summer is nearly here and Central Florida is already feeling the heat.
A summerlike pattern is settling in, with temperatures expected to remain in the lower to mid 90s throughout the week. The high humidity isn’t going anywhere either, making it feel even hotter.
Sunday started off in the mid to upper 70s and is forecast to quickly climb into the 90s by midday. Highs in the Orlando area and much of Central Florida are expected to reach 94 to 95 degrees through the week, with heat index values — or “feels like” temperatures — potentially rising into the triple digits.
The risk of heat-related illness is moderate for the area, so it’s a good idea to drink plenty of water and take breaks indoors, especially if planning to enjoy the parks or beaches.
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With sea breezes building each afternoon, scattered storms are expected to pop up, especially after 3 p.m.
Rain chances start around 30% in the afternoon and could reach up to 40% by evening, based on the latest guidance.
Something else to keep in mind is the layer of Saharan dust currently moving through Central Florida and reaching as far as the Gulf and the Caribbean. This dust is contributing to slightly lower rain chances — around that 40% mark — by keeping the air a bit drier than usual.
For those with outdoor plans, including fishing with dad on Father’s Day or heading to the coast, expect sunny mornings and warm conditions.
Water temperatures are coming in at 79 degrees and there’s a moderate rip current risk, so use caution at the beach.
The National Hurricane Center currently shows no highlighted areas of concern in the Atlantic. The tropics are expected to remain quiet for at least the next seven days, with no immediate threats of tropical storms or hurricanes on the horizon.
Along with the usual summer heat, there are some key dates to keep in mind. Friday marks the official start of summer with the longest day of the year. Juneteenth is on Thursday. Highs should consistently be in the 94- to 95-degree range, with rain chances ticking upward toward 60% as the summer season begins.
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[WATCH: Strong storms spark ominous cloud in Central Florida]