ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is in for another dangerously hot day, but scattered to numerous afternoon storms will bring some relief from the heat. A heat advisory is in effect for all of East Central Florida, while a few storms could turn strong to severe.
THURSDAY
A stalled front to the north and an upper-level low overhead will help fuel showers and storms across the region Thursday. The east coast sea breeze is expected to develop around 2 p.m. and become the main trigger for storms.
Rain and storm chances sit around 50 to 60 percent, with activity developing along the sea breeze before pushing inland. Storm movement will be slow and erratic at times, allowing storms and their outflow boundaries to collide and potentially spark additional development.
A few storms could become strong, producing wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph, with isolated higher gusts possible. Frequent lightning, small hail and locally heavy rainfall will also be possible. Storms could linger over the interior through the evening before gradually fading by around midnight.
Before storms arrive, temperatures will climb into the lower to mid 90s, with humidity pushing heat index values between 108 and 110 degrees.
Another heat advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Increased clouds and storm coverage should help bring some relief by early evening, but conditions will remain warm and muggy overnight.
WEEKEND
The overall weather pattern changes little through the weekend. Expect 40 to 60 percent chances for afternoon and evening showers and storms Friday through Sunday, with strong wind gusts continuing to be the primary concern.
Some slightly drier air moving in this weekend may help lower humidity enough to end the recent streak of widespread advisory-level heat.
NEXT WEEK
A subtle pattern change next week should help temperatures moderate into the lower 90s, though humidity will remain high.
Daily afternoon storms will continue, with the highest coverage shifting farther inland as southerly winds help push the east coast sea breeze deeper into Central Florida.
Heat index values will still reach 100 to 105 degrees, but are currently expected to stay below heat advisory criteria.