ORLANDO, Fla. – Storm coverage is expected to increase across Central Florida on Friday as deeper moisture begins returning to the region by the weekend.
Friday
The highest rain chances, between 20 and 40 percent, will be across areas south of Orlando.
Any stronger storm will be capable of frequent lightning, gusty winds, and torrential downpours before activity gradually shifts inland and weakens this evening.
Even with a few more storms around, temperatures will climb into the low 90s inland, with some mid 90s possible around Orlando and areas north and west.
Heat index values will range from 100 to 107 degrees, creating widespread moderate to major heat risk.
Weekend outlook
Moisture continues building into Central Florida this weekend, bringing a return to a more typical summer pattern with scattered to numerous afternoon (50-70%) thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday.
Storms will become slower moving, increasing the chance for locally heavy rainfall and isolated minor flooding in spots that see repeated downpours. Frequent lightning and gusty winds up to 40 to 55 mph will also remain possible.
Temperatures stay in the low to mid 90s through the weekend, with heat index values once again climbing above 100 degrees before storms develop each afternoon.