ORLANDO, Fla. – Relentless heat is holding strong in Central Florida as rain chances work back into the forecast by the weekend.
If you were hoping for relief, it’s not coming just yet.
Thursday
A high-pressure ridge over Florida is keeping the heat locked in, and it’s not letting up.
Highs will reach the mid-90s, with peak heat index values again expected around 108 to 112 degrees. Because of this, a Heat Advisory has been issued for all of Central Florida from noon to 7 p.m.
While there’s a weak offshore wind, the afternoon sea breeze will still kick in, triggering isolated to scattered showers and storms. Rain chances are slightly lower Thursday (30–40%) due to the ridge’s influence and limited instability, despite plenty of moisture in the air.
Expect storms to develop first near the coast and then shift inland by late afternoon. Some of these could turn strong, with gusty winds up to 50 mph and frequent lightning.
Friday-Saturday
The ridge will start to shift west, but the intense heat lingers.
Heat Advisories will like be issued through the weekend, with actual highs remaining in the upper 90s.
Rain chances will increase gradually (50–60%) as moisture builds and the ridge loses some of its grip.
Sunday-Next Week
A front will creep into north Florida by late weekend, bringing a shift in the pattern. While it won’t cool things off dramatically, it will boost rain chances even more (70–80%) from Sunday through Wednesday.
Highs will remain above normal in the mid-90s, but increased cloud cover and showers may help keep heat index values just below advisory levels.