ORLANDO, Fla. – A dry air mass, warming temperatures and strengthening south-southwest winds are combining to create and high fire danger across Central Florida.
Gusty winds at 15-20 mph will be strong enough to meet Red Flag criteria Thursday afternoon as humidity values drop to around 35%.
Highs will run above average, with most inland areas flirting with 80 degrees while the coast stays in the mid-70s.
FRIDAY
Changes begin late Friday as a weakening cold front approaches Florida.
By Friday afternoon, rain coverage climbs to about 20% as highs soar into the mid-80s
SATURDAY
Saturday currently looks like the wettest period, with rain chances reaching 50-60% as the front stalls across Central Florida.
A few strong storms will be possible, with the main threats being lightning and small hail.
Most rainfall totals between Friday and Saturday will stay under an inch, but localized downpours in thunderstorms could quickly produce 1 to 2 inches in isolated spots.
Rain chances taper off Saturday night into Sunday as the front slides south, though a slight chance for a lingering shower or storm remains.
SUNDAY-NEXT WEEK
Looking ahead to early next week, high pressure quickly builds in, with the return flow off the ocean keeping temperatures near normal.