ORLANDO, Fla. – From scorching heat to strong storms, a dramatic weekend weather whiplash is setting up across Central Florida.
FRIDAY
It will be another very hot afternoon as highs climb into the lower 90s inland and upper 80s along the coast. Heat risk levels remain elevated as rain chances remain low.
SATURDAY
Central Floridians will notice the biggest whiplash on Saturday as we see the hottest day of the year, followed by a chance of strong to severe storms into the evening.
Strong west-southwest winds will increase through the day, with gusts between 30 and 35 mph possible, pushing highs into the low 90s inland and along the coast.
Storms are expected to develop earlier in the day, Saturday afternoon, as a cold front approaches. Due to the early arrival, during the peak heating of the day, the concern for strong to severe storms has increased.
The greatest threat appears to be north of Orlando, where a Slight Risk (Level 2/5) for severe weather is in place and a Marginal Risk (Level 1/5) for the rest of the area.
Damaging wind gusts and hail will be the main concerns, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
For this reason, the News6 Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day for Saturday evening into Sunday morning.
SUNDAY
Once the front clears, there will be a noticeable difference with highs falling back into the upper 70s.