ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is facing another day of dangerous heat and strong afternoon thunderstorms, a weather pattern that is expected to continue through Father’s Day weekend.
THURSDAY
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. as heat index values climb between 108 and 110 degrees across East Central Florida. While the actual air temperatures will reach the mid 90s, the combination of heat and humidity will make it feel much hotter.
Storm chances will increase this afternoon as the east coast and west coast sea breezes collide across the peninsula. The highest coverage is expected from Brevard and Osceola counties northward, where rain chances range from 40 to 70 percent.
Some storms could become strong, bringing frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 55 mph, and torrential downpours. Widespread rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are possible, with isolated locations seeing more than 5 inches where storms repeatedly track over the same area.
A Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall is in place today, meaning localized flooding of roads and low lying areas is possible.
WEEKEND OUTLOOK
The active pattern will continue into the weekend.
Friday carries the highest risk for strong to severe storms with coverage between 60-70%. The strongest storms could produce wind gusts up to 60 mph, dangerous lightning, and heavy downpours that may lead to localized flooding.
Rain chances remain elevated through Saturday and Sunday as a weak front combined with remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur settles across northern Florida, keeping scattered to numerous showers and storms in the forecast each afternoon and evening.
While temperatures may ease slightly over the weekend, highs will still reach the low to mid 90s with heat index values well above 100 degrees.
NEXT WEEK
Drier conditions are expected early next week, but above normal temperatures and daily storm chances will continue.