Residents of Orlando and the surrounding areas can breathe a bit easier this week regarding rain chances. Still, brushfires and fog continue to pose visibility concerns, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Melbourne, FL. In an early morning announcement today, meteorologists highlighted the persistent dry conditions and cautioned that smoke from ongoing fires may reduce visibility—even without fog.
The warmth will carry into Monday as an area of high pressure sticks around the peninsula. The next chance of rain and potentially an isolated thunderstorm will not arrive until Tuesday or Wednesday, mainly to the south of Orlando. Local fire concerns are heightened as the region finds itself in a dry spell. "Motorists should use caution if encountering fog or smoke on area roadways," warned the National Weather Service forecast, signaling the potential mix of natural and man-made obscurations can be particularly hazardous during the early hours of the day.
Marine activity along the central waters seems untroubled, with a weak pressure gradient keeping the winds light and variable, transitioning to onshore currents as the day progresses. As for those with flight plans, airport terminals in east central Florida should experience dry conditions, although some morning fog may warrant monitoring, as indicated by the Aviation sector of the National Weather Service's update.
Ahead in the week, fire weather remains a concern, with minimum relative humidity percentages dipping into the 20s and 30s in some areas. The National Weather Service cautions, "Fire sensitivity continues due to the dry conditions." While there are hopes for minimal wetting rain around Tuesday and Wednesday, it may not be substantial enough to assuage the dryness affecting the fuels on the ground.
For those keeping an eye on the thermostat, temperatures will keep climbing, with inland highs reaching the mid-80s and coastal regions seeing upper 70s to low 80s. It's a mild start to the spring, and folks are likely to enjoy plenty of sunshine, at least until the next weak cold front tries to sneak its way into the forecast by mid-week.
