ORLANDO, Fla. – A strong cold front is expected to move in late Sunday, bringing the possibility of thunderstorms, some of which could turn strong or even severe. Sunday is a Weather Alert Day, so it’s a good idea to keep your plans flexible, especially for any plans after 6 p.m.
Sunday is likely to start off mostly dry, but clouds will increase as the day goes on. Winds from the approaching front are forecast to get pretty gusty—up to 25 miles per hour along the coast and across the region.
The biggest storm threats are expected to be lightning and strong winds, while the risk for hail, flooding, and tornadoes remains low but not zero.
For those living along the I-4 corridor or north and west of it, heavy rain overnight Sunday into early Monday is possible, and a few areas could wind up with as much as an inch of rain, though most places are likely to see less.
If you are headed to the Daytona 500, know that race officials have moved up the start time. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid to upper 70s and lower 80s with increasing clouds and wind.
Central Florida drought conditions and burn bans
Alongside the coming storms, drought continues to pose a real concern across Central Florida.
Severe to extreme drought continues in several counties—parts of the region are marked in red for “extreme drought,” with severe and moderate sections extending out from there.
Because of the tinder-dry conditions, several local counties have official burn bans in place right now, including Flagler, Marion, Sumter, Polk, and Brevard. These bans are expected to remain for at least the next two weeks, and burning outdoors is not allowed. Lightning from any incoming storms is also a special concern, since brush fires can start quickly in the current dry landscape.
Forecast for Daytona 500 and the work week ahead
Planning to catch the Daytona 500 or head out with friends? Temperatures midday Sunday are forecast to be mild, near 76 degrees at 2 p.m. and 77 degrees at 4 p.m. Increasing clouds and wind will be noticeable as the day goes on, with rain and storms mostly likely after 6 p.m.
Once the cold front moves out Monday morning, the rest of the work week is expected to stay dry, and above-average warmth will return, with high temperatures climbing back into the low- to mid-80s by Friday.
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