After some isolated showers and storms Friday afternoon, things are clearing out for our evening. Parts of Marion County picked up 2-3 inches of rain in some heavier showers. Most of us will see partly cloudy skies overnight, but we can’t rule out a little patchy fog toward morning.
Central Florida is heading into a warm and mostly dry weekend, but if you’re headed to the beach, be careful. A high risk of rip currents will continue this weekend as steady onshore winds keep surf conditions rough at times.
The elevated threat comes as spring break season begins across the region, meaning more people will be heading to the coast in the coming weeks. If you plan to swim, make sure to stay near a lifeguard and follow posted beach flags.
Away from the coast, conditions will be warm and fairly quiet with a few isolated showers and storms.
Temperatures will climb well above normal this weekend, running about 10 degrees warmer than average for early March. Afternoon highs will reach the mid to upper 80s inland, with some locations approaching record highs. Sanford and Leesburg could challenge their record high of 87 degrees on Sunday. Along the coast, the ocean breeze will keep temperatures cooler, generally near 80 degrees.
Golf fans heading to Bay Hill this weekend for the Arnold Palmer Invitational should also be prepared for the heat. If you plan to spend several hours outside on the course, make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade when possible. Even early March sunshine can add up quickly when you are outdoors all day.
We will see a mix of sun and clouds each day. The east coast sea breeze will move inland during the afternoon and could spark a few showers. Coverage will remain low, with only about a 20 percent chance of rain. A stray lightning storm cannot be ruled out inland, but most neighborhoods will stay dry.
Overnight temperatures will remain mild with lows in the 60s.
Looking ahead to next week, warm weather continues with highs staying in the mid to upper 80s through midweek. Rain chances remain low before a front approaches Florida late in the week, which could bring a better chance for scattered showers and storms by Thursday or Friday.
Until then, expect warm afternoons, mild mornings, and just a few passing showers.