The National Weather Service in Melbourne has forecast an unsettled weather pattern for Orlando, with a "high coverage of showers and lightning storms." The conditions today are expected to be somewhat "cooler" than recent days, albeit still presenting heat index values between 100-107 degrees, residents are cautioned to stay hydrated and take breaks from the heat to avoid health issues. Aviation interests will see impacts as well, with vicinity wording and temporary groups in place for TAFs, as reported by the National Weather Service.
With a weak upper-level low hovering over the southwest Atlantic, the local weather dynamics in Orlando are geared towards the development of scattered to numerous showers and storms, particularly along the coast where the sea breeze propels the storm activity inland, meteorologists noted the chances of rainfall are highest, between 60-80% this afternoon and early evening and while it's cooler today than the past several days it's still hot, with temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s under mostly cloudy skies, and again health officials recommend the public to seek shade and remain hydrated. A Marginal Risk for Excessive Rainfall has been declared for all of east central Florida due mainly to the threat of showers and storms that may cause minor flooding of low-lying areas and roadways alongside the possibility of 40 mph wind gusts and frequent lightning strikes.
Looking ahead to Wednesday, the west-to-southwest flow is supposed to bring about a drop in shower and lightning storm probabilities with the most significant chances situated near the coast—a pattern that might hold into the following days as the east coast sea breeze becomes more dominant. Temperatures remain foreboding with lows only bottoming out in the low to upper 70s, leading into a weekend that is expected to feature the return of excessive heat, as high pressure builds over the region and 500mb heights climb to 594-597dm, driving temperatures and heat indices even higher.
Mariners planning to be out on the water are advised to stay alert as boating conditions are predicted to be favorable outside of storm activity, but scattered showers and storms can still present risks with potential for heavy rainfall and strong winds, the forecast from the National Weather Service warned light southwest winds are expected to back southeast near the coast this afternoon and shifting further south of Cape Canaveral by Wednesday, with seas possibly reaching up to 1-3 feet in height. The weekend is expected to continue offering decent conditions for boating, notwithstanding the possibility of storms that might move offshore and potentially bring gusty winds and lightning.
