ORLANDO, Fla. – Heads up if you’re planning a beach day this week — rough surf and a high risk of rip currents are expected to set up along Florida’s east coast starting Monday, thanks to Hurricane Erin spinning out in the Atlantic.
Erin is forecast to stay well away from the mainland United States, but that doesn’t mean the coast is in the clear.
The center of Hurricane Erin is tracking north of the Caribbean islands, although parts of Puerto Rico could still feel some impact from the storm’s outer bands. For Central Florida, the biggest concern is at the shoreline, where dangerous waves and strong currents are likely through Thursday.
Surf heights could reach up to 4 feet, with nearshore waters swelling to 5 feet. Minor beach erosion is also possible as conditions worsen midweek.
[TIMING: Hazardous beach and boating conditions off Florida coast heading into the week]
As of Sunday, there are no advisories in effect, but it is strongly recommended to stay out of the water during this period due to the elevated risks.
[MORE: Hurricane Erin downgraded to Category 3]
Hot temperatures and scattered storms across Central Florida
The summer heat is sticking around, with temperatures running above average across the region. Sunday’s highs are forecast to be in the lower to middle 90s with heat indices in the triple digits.
A popup shower or thunderstorm during the afternoon and evening hours are possible. Rain chances start at just 30% around midday but jump to 50% by 3 p.m. and continue into the early evening. Keep rain gear nearby and check the latest radar on ClickOrlando.com just in case.
Our weather forecast shows the pattern of hot days and scattered storms persisting all week, with a 50% to 60% chance of rain most afternoons.
Watching the tropics: New tropical wave emerges
Besides Hurricane Erin, we’re keeping an eye on a new tropical wave moving across the central Atlantic.
The National Hurricane Center has given this area a 20% chance of developing over the next week, but for now, it’s no immediate threat to Florida. The situation will be monitored closely in the coming days.
Another area being monitored off the Carolina coast has a low chance for tropical formation in the next two to seven days.
A week of unsettled weather ahead
The stretch of hot days and afternoon thunderstorms isn’t letting up anytime soon. Expect highs to stay in the low to mid 90s with rain and storm chances continuing each day.
If you have school-aged kids headed back this week, send them out the door with rain gear — it will likely come in handy.
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