Orlando residents brace for a blend of sun and storms. The National Weather Service in Melbourne predicts "scattered showers and storms increase in coverage along the coast late this afternoon and into the evening." They're also flagging a high risk of rip currents at all beaches.
Today's weather dance features westerly winds this morning that will swing onshore "with the development of the east coast sea breeze around 16-18Z," the NWS shares. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to make an entrance mainly after 20Z, possibly bringing with them lightning strikes, gusty winds up to 45 knots, and the grand finale—a local downpour. Just remember, when the show is over and the sunsets, so will the winds, transitioning to a light variable flow overnight.
The weather narrative unfolds further as temperatures aim for the low 90s and heat indices push between 100 and 105 degrees. For those seeking reprieve at the beach, caution is advised. Not only is there a high risk of life-threatening rip currents, but tides are high, placing us in the ambit of minor coastal flooding, per the proclamation of a Coastal Flood Advisory that continues its effect.
Looking at the weekend, the Saint Johns River is expected to sustain its Moderate Flood stage. However, if locally heavy rainfall develops over the river basin, small additional rises may occur, so communities around the river basin better stay vigilant. For boaters, there's a glimmer of hope—seas are calming down to 3-4 feet with a lighter wind regime today and into the weekend. However, mariners should watch the skies for increased offshore moving lightning storms later in the day.
Wrapping up the week's weather prospects, a mid-level trough and vortices making a southeastward trek are promising more showers and thunderstorms, with the most intense action southward. By Thursday to Sunday, while the storms play it coy in their appearances, the mercury continues to flirt with the upper 80s to low 90s, indicating that whether indoors or out, Orlando's residents will be feeling the heat in more ways than one.
