ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida will see another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday, but an even wetter pattern is expected to arrive Friday as tropical moisture moves across the state.
THURSDAY
Thursday starts with isolated showers moving onshore along the coast thanks to an easterly breeze. As the afternoon heats up, storms will become more numerous over the interior as the sea breeze pushes inland. Rain chances range from 40 to 60 percent, with storms drifting west to northwest through the afternoon and evening.
Some storms could become strong, producing frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 50 mph, small hail, and torrential downpours.
High temperatures will reach the upper 80s to low 90s, but humidity will push heat index values between 100 and 105 degrees.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
The wettest day of the forecast looks to be Friday as a tropical disturbance moves in from the Bahamas, bringing an additional surge of tropical moisture into Central Florida. Rain and storm chances increase to 70 to 80 percent, with numerous showers and thunderstorms expected.
Saturday will remain active with a 50 to 70 percent chance for storms before rain chances ease back closer to normal by Sunday.
Heavy rain, frequent lightning, and wind gusts around 50 mph will remain the primary concerns through the weekend.
NEXT WEEK
Looking ahead to the first few days of the new school year, the tropical moisture gradually moves away while high pressure settles over Florida.
Daily afternoon storms will continue, but coverage will become more typical for August with rain chances decreasing, especially by the middle of the week.
Temperatures will also trend a little hotter, with highs returning to the low and mid 90s.