ORLANDO, Fla. – A big swing in storm coverage is expected across Central Florida this week as Saharan dust takes over the forecast, helping limit afternoon storms while allowing temperatures to climb even higher through midweek.
TUESDAY
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will once again develop Tuesday afternoon and evening, with the greatest coverage expected along and east of the I-95 corridor as sea breeze boundaries collide and push activity back toward the coast. Rain chances range from 40 to 60 percent, though overall storm coverage may end up a little lower than what many areas saw Monday.
That’s because another surge of Saharan dust is filtering into Florida, bringing drier air into the middle levels of the atmosphere and making it harder for storms to develop.
The storms that do form could still pack a punch. Some stronger storms will be capable of producing wind gusts between 40 and 60 mph, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours.
Temperatures will climb into the low to mid 90s this afternoon, with heat index values reaching between 102 and 107 degrees.
MIDWEEK
The bigger story arrives during the middle of the week as even drier Saharan air moves overhead. Storm coverage is expected to drop to only isolated or scattered levels Wednesday and Thursday, allowing temperatures to climb even higher with more widespread mid 90s expected across Central Florida.
Even with slightly lower humidity levels, afternoon heat index values will continue to reach 100 to 107 degrees.
The Saharan dust will also contribute to hazier skies, more colorful sunrises and sunsets, and periods of moderate air quality through the middle of the week.
WEEKEND
By the weekend, moisture gradually returns and afternoon storm chances climb back closer to normal summer levels.
However, there is little relief in sight from the July heat, with highs remaining in the 90s and feels-like temperatures continuing to push well into the triple digits.