ORLANDO, Fla. – After a stretch of hot and humid weather, Central Florida is heading into a more active pattern to start the week before a rare cold front drags in drier air.
MONDAY
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Monday afternoon, with the highest rain chances (50-60%) focused across the northeastern parts of the area. Storms will be capable of producing frequent lightning, gusty winds, and torrential downpours.
Temperatures remain very warm and humid, with afternoon highs climbing into the upper 80s and low 90s. Heat index values will reach the upper 90s to near 100 degrees before storms develop.
TUESDAY
Tuesday currently appears to be the most active day of the week.
The overall setup will favor storms moving from west to east, bringing activity back toward the coast again on Tuesday. While widespread flooding is not expected, brief nuisance flooding and ponding on roads will be possible under the heaviest downpours.
Rain and storm coverage will increase, with many locations seeing a 60 to 70 percent chance for afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
The Storm Prediction Center is highlighting a marginal risk (Level 1/5) for a few strong to severe storms, capable of producing damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning.
WEDNESDAY
A weak cold front will slowly move south through the region on Wednesday, bringing additional showers and storms, especially from Orlando southward.
Behind the front, northeast winds will usher in slightly cooler and drier air. High temperatures will fall back into the lower and middle 80s on Wednesday and Thursday, providing a noticeable break from the recent heat.
THURSDAY- FRIDAY
Rain chances decrease significantly on Thursday through Saturday as drier air settles into the region. Temperatures will remain comfortable by early June standards, with highs mainly in the mid 80s and overnight lows dipping into the upper 60s and lower 70s.
WEEKEND
Moisture may begin to increase again by the weekend as a disturbance near the Bahamas drifts westward. While no major impacts are expected at this time, rain chances could gradually trend upward heading into next week.