ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida’s weather is about to swing from summerlike heat and storms to a more springlike pattern with a cold front on the horizon next week.
SUNDAY
Temperatures will climb well above normal Sunday, with highs reaching the lower 80s along the coast and the middle to upper 80s inland. Some locations could come close to record highs for this time of year, including Leesburg and Sanford.
Not only will it feel like summer with our temperatures, a summer sea breeze pattern looks to set up through the day.
By late afternoon and evening, the east and west coast sea breezes are expected to collide roughly between I-75 and the I-4 corridor, bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms between 5-9pm.
A few storms could become briefly strong. The main threats include lightning, gusty winds up to around 40 to 50 mph and heavy downpours. Storm activity should gradually wind down by mid to late evening as lingering activity drifts east towards the coast.
BEACH HAZARDS
Beach conditions remain dangerous through the weekend as well. A persistent easterly swell will continue to produce a high risk of rip currents along all Central Florida beaches. If you do venture into the water, make sure to always swim by a staffed lifeguard tower.
EARLY WEEK
The summerlike warmth will continue through midweek as highs Monday through Wednesday stay in the mid to upper 80s inland and lower to middle 80s along the coast. During this stretch, a few locations could get close to record breaking territory with some even nearing 90 degrees.
THURSDAY
A change arrives late in the week. A cold front is expected to move across Central Florida on Thursday, bringing a better chance for scattered showers and isolated storms.
Behind the front, temperatures will fall closer to seasonal levels with highs mainly in the 70s on Friday and cooler mornings with some 50s possible north and west of I-4.