Get ready to hold on to your hats, Orlando. According to the latest from the National Weather Service, Melbourne, FL, the city is facing a day of high fire danger due to gusty winds that have continued to ramp up and an accompanying plunge in humidity. If you're considering taking your boat out, you might want to reconsider, as boating conditions are described as dangerous to hazardous, with prospects only improving by tonight and Friday. Not only is the air dry enough to concern firefighters, but temperatures are about to nosedive tonight, with some of the coldest spots predicted to dip into the lower 40s.
As we look ahead to the weekend, the region is expected to gradually warm up just in time for our next shot at rain and storms come Sunday and Monday. But not before another chilling night, as winds will collapse and the chill sinks in with a clear sky overhead. The National Weather Service has forecasted that "highs should reach the upper 60s to low 70s" today under sunny conditions, so it's crucial to be aware of the rapid fire growth risk and abide by the recommended safety measures.
Mariners, take heed. Today's marine forecast still warns of tough conditions at sea, especially in the early morning. If you've got a boat in the local Atlantic waters, expect to see winds falling below gale force as the day progresses, but it's advised to exercise continued caution. The silver lining is that by late afternoon, the winds should mellow, veering NNW and decreasing to 10-15 KT by nighttime, though seas in the Gulf Stream will remain rough at 5-8 FT. A quieter period for high pressure is on the horizon, with seas calming further into the weekend.
For those of you taking to the skies, the aviation outlook is crystal clear today, with VFR conditions across the board. However, the forecast discussion stated to brace for strong and gusty W/NW winds at 15- 20kts with frequent gusts 25-27 knots through 19Z, which may affect airport arrival rates, especially at MCO. These winds, which have been fiercely sweeping across Central Florida, are set to start relaxing by the evening, giving way to more tranquil skies.
Finally, all hands are on deck when it comes to fire weather. The conditions have whipped up to such an extent that a Red Flag Warning has been issued for all of east Central Florida from late this morning into the afternoon. Forecasters are urging the public to dispose of cigarettes properly, beware of dragging chains, and not park vehicles over grass/weeds after driving. While Friday promises lighter winds, the relative humidity is poised to drop again, making vigilance a top priority for fire safety.
