ORLANDO, Fla. – Noticeable changes are building across Florida, and you are going to feel them.
Warmer air is settling in and rain chances are about to climb as we move through the week.
[WATCH BELOW: SpaceX rocket launch from Fla.]
MONDAY
High pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere is holding strong over Florida and the Gulf, keeping conditions stable and mainly dry.
Highs during the afternoon will remain near average, in the upper 70s to near 80 degrees, with a steady north to northeast breeze in place and winds around 10 to 15 mph.
While most areas will remain mostly dry, we could see some lingering moisture (20-30%) south of Orlando as a front remains stationary near the Florida straits.
[VIDEO BELOW: 2022 lunar eclipse]
LUNAR ECLIPSE
A total lunar eclipse will take place early Tuesday as the moon will gradually darken and then turn a dramatic red color as it moves into Earth’s shadow.
The eclipse begins just before sunrise on Tuesday, with the moon starting to darken shortly before 5:30 a.m. and the total eclipse reaching its peak soon after 6 a.m. as the moon sets.
THIS WEEK
The warming trend continues along with raising rain chances.
A steady onshore breeze will pull in warm and moist Atlantic air starting Tuesday. Daily rain chances will climb into the 30 to 50% range across Central Florida with a few isolated thunderstorms.
Any storms that do form could produce occasional lightning strikes and gusty winds before fading after sunset.
Highs throughout the week will also rise into the low to mid-80s inland, with coastal communities staying a few degrees cooler thanks to the sea breeze.
[BELOW: Testing the Wekiva River]
BEACH HAZARDS
Beachgoers will also need to pay close attention to surf conditions.
There is a moderate risk of rip currents, and that risk is expected to increase to high each day through the rest of the week as onshore winds and waves build.