ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is heading into what is expected to be the hottest day of this latest heat wave, with dangerous heat and scattered afternoon storms both in the forecast.
A heat advisory is in effect for Central Florida counties, while Marion and Flagler counties are under a rare Extreme Heat Warning as heat index values could climb even higher.
TUESDAY
Temperatures will soar into the mid-90s across much of Central Florida, with humidity pushing peak heat index values between 110 and 115 degrees.
The most extreme conditions are expected across Marion and Flagler counties, where the extreme heat warning is a rare alert for our area. Those locations could see especially dangerous heat conditions, making today the most intense day of the current heat wave.
There will be more moisture in the atmosphere today, allowing scattered showers and storms to develop during the afternoon and evening. Rain and storm chances will return closer to normal across East Central Florida.
The east coast sea breeze will develop later than usual and may struggle to move much farther inland than the I-95 corridor. Storms that develop will generally move eastward and offshore through the late afternoon and evening.
A few storms could become strong, producing frequent lightning, wind gusts between 45 and 55 mph, and heavy rainfall
THIS WEEK
A more active summer pattern will continue through the rest of the week and into early next week. Rain and storm chances will generally run between 60 and 70 percent each afternoon, with storms capable of producing lightning, gusty winds, and locally heavy rain.
Increasing clouds and storm coverage may help temperatures trend a little closer to normal later this week and into the weekend.
However, the heat will remain a concern, with heat index values continuing to climb well into the triple digits and additional heat alerts possible.