Orlando residents are gearing up for another scorcher today. According to the National Weather Service Melbourne FL, a Heat Advisory has been issued spanning from 10 AM to 6 PM EDT, with peak heat index values likely hitting a sweltering 106-110 degrees. But it's not just the heat. Scattered showers and storms are expected as a surface boundary inches southward, promising a mix of weather for the region.

For those planning to take to the skies, aviation forecasts anticipate predominantly VFR conditions for most of the day, shifting as the east coast sea breeze pushes inland. Isolated to scattered storms could bring temporary IFR/MVFR conditions, mostly during the afternoon through early evening highs, according to the National Weather Service. A particular concern, storms may pack occasional to frequent lightning strikes, wind gusts up to 50 mph, and the potential for heavy rainfall.

The skies will bring slight reprieve towards the end of the week as a cooler, drier air mass moves in post-frontal passage, with a notable decrease in temperatures forecasted for Friday. Looking ahead, the weekend promises dry conditions, but all eyes remain cautiously on the Atlantic as Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthens, bringing with it the risk of hazardous beach and marine conditions. Swells from Ernesto, while the storm itself remains far from Florida, will potentially magnify the risk of rip currents and rough surf into the weekend.

Mariners take note, conditions at sea will begin with light and variable winds today, ramping up as swells from distant Tropical Storm Ernesto make their presence felt later in the week. Seas are set to increase from the rather placid 2-3 ft observed today to a choppy 5-8 ft by Thursday night. As stated by the National Weather Service, "Entering the dangerous surf is not advised!" heading into Friday, when these effects are expected to peak.