ORLANDO, Fla. – Another hot and stormy summer day is ahead across Central Florida, with scattered to numerous afternoon thunderstorms expected to develop as the sea breeze pushes inland.
Most areas will stay dry through the morning under partly cloudy skies, but rain and storm chances increase quickly during the afternoon, especially east of Orlando.
Expect the highest rain chances, between 50% and 70%, from the Orlando metro eastward to the coast. Areas west of Orlando have lower rain chances, around 20% to 50%.
Any storm that develops could produce frequent lightning, wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, and torrential rainfall. Some locations could pick up 1 to 3 inches.
Despite the storm chances, temperatures will climb into the low to mid 90s this afternoon. Combined with high humidity, heat index values are expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees.
A Moderate to Major Heat Risk remains in place through Monday and Tuesday, meaning heat-related illnesses become more likely for anyone spending extended time outdoors without adequate hydration or access to air conditioning.
The active pattern continues through the rest of the week, with daily afternoon storm chances and above-normal temperatures remaining in the forecast. Storm coverage may increase again this weekend as a front stalls to the north, keeping rain chances elevated across Central Florida.