Orlando residents can expect a mix of very warm and muggy conditions transitioning to what forecasters are calling "gross-hot" as the week progresses. According to a recent update from the National Weather Service, the city will experience a combination of spotty low stratus, patchy fog, and scattered showers with potential thunderstorms favoring inland areas this afternoon.
As the east coast sea breeze picks up, there's an expected uptick in shower and storm activity moving inland. "Continued VFR outside of convection," noted the NWS Melbourne FL in their morning aviation forecast. Breezes from the northeast are set to increase to 5-10 knots as anticipated by the service. With storms favoring inland areas, there's an ongoing concern for heavy rainfall; with the environment remaining favorable for efficient rainmakers as the agency warned, highlighting potential issues with urban flooding and drainage. As a storm's steering flow from the north implies storms favoring the southern regions, airline operators and travelers should anticipate possible delays.
Temperature-wise, a break in the heat is expected, but it's relative—a few degrees below normal, but certainly not cool by any measure with afternoon highs forecast in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Today looks to be the coolest day in a while the NWS states, adding a caveat that as long as showers and storms keep moving the risk for major flooding should stay low. However, should a heavy shower or storm linger excessively over any one area, risks for higher rainfalls and localized flooding increase dramatically.
Amidst the routine of sweltering days and tumultuous weather, eyes are also on the tropics. The NWS mentions that the National Hurricane Center has increased the potential for formation into a tropical cyclone as it approaches the Caribbean over the next 7 days to 50 pct.
