ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida will face another day of dangerous heat and scattered afternoon storms, but a bigger change is on the way. Rain and storm coverage will increase late this week, bringing the potential for repeated heavy downpours and localized flooding through the weekend.
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY
A heat advisory is in effect today for the majority of Central Florida, where heat index values could reach as high as 110 degrees. High temperatures will climb into the mid to upper 90s, while much of the rest of Central Florida will experience feels-like temperatures above 100 degrees.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop after 2 p.m., with rain chances ranging from 30% to 50% and the highest coverage south of Orlando. Storms could produce frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 55 mph, and torrential rainfall.
THURSDAY-WEEKEND
Rain and storm coverage will increase Thursday through the weekend as an upper-level trough keeps deeper moisture across the region. Rain chances will climb to 60% to 80% or higher, with multiple rounds of showers and storms possible.
The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of Central Florida under a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall Thursday and Friday, meaning locally heavy rain and isolated flooding will need to be monitored.
The increased clouds and rain should bring some relief from the most intense heat, but temperatures will still reach the lower 90s through the weekend, with heat index values remaining between 100 and 105 degrees.