Orlando residents can expect a mix of sun and clouds today, followed by a warmer afternoon and onshore winds later in the day. As reported by the National Weather Service in Melbourne, FL, boaters will find improved conditions over the weekend and next week, while beachgoers should beware of a persistently high risk of rip currents today.
Last night, a noticeable temperature disparity stretched across the area, with Leesburg at 42 degrees and Fort Pierce holding steady at 64 degrees. In the evening, locals should anticipate a drop in temperature with the sunset, leading into the upper 40s to upper 50s. The National Weather Service advises against venturing into the water at area beaches due to the risk of rip currents.
Looking forward to Sunday and Monday, a high-pressure system is expected to permit sunnier skies, with the possibility of increased rainfall and even isolated lightning storms arriving Monday as an area of low pressure sweeps through south-central Florida. According to the forecast, rain amounts have increased slightly in recent forecast cycles, particularly from Melbourne to Lake Okeechobee and the Treasure Coast, potentially seeing 1-2" of rain.
Following Tuesday's early showers along the Treasure Coast, drier conditions will prevail throughout the week. A cold front later in the week could bring a slight chance of showers, but most of the region will enjoy a calmer period. Temperatures will hover close to normal, dipping post-frontal but bouncing back as we enter March when high pressure is set to establish a hold over the southeastern U.S.
Maritime conditions will be equally calm, with the National Weather Service suggesting that small craft should exercise caution only until midday in the Gulf Stream. From then on, seas are slated to settle at 2-4 ft. through Wednesday. For pilots, the aviation forecast promises generally favorable conditions with a note of caution for potentially isolated light sprinkles along coastal terminals.
