Orlando residents and visitors might want to reevaluate their beach and boating plans this weekend, as the National Weather Service out of Melbourne, FL, is advising against entering the ocean and prepping for poor boating conditions along the Atlantic. According to a weather forecast discussion released early this morning, there's a high risk of life-threatening rip currents persisting through the weekend, and the conditions for boating are nothing short of hazardous.
The National Weather Service reports are marked by an assertive caution, detailing how a high-pressure system building toward the Mid-Atlantic is ushering in a weak front that's bringing some instability to our skies and waters; however, a considerable lack of precipitation is foreseen, with only a remote possibility for coastal showers over the next week. It's shaping up to be a mostly sunny day after any remaining morning cloudiness dissipates, with temperatures hovering near seasonal averages, but despite the surf and weather potentially appearing more inviting than in recent weekends, the service stresses the continued danger of entering the ocean due to the persistent rip currents.
In regard to the marine forecast, the situation is similarly rough, with high pressure creating a stern reinforcement of 15 to 20 knot northeast winds, and seas that might scale up to 7 feet offshore. The evening may bring a slight respite with seas and winds abating marginally, yet conditions offshore remain less than ideal, with a slow amelioration expected over the weekend as winds gradually shift and relax.
For those with flying plans, the National Weather Service's Aviation unit predicts VFR conditions through the period, while marine stratocumulus clouds could cause some occasional disturbances with ceiling heights between 040-060 AGL, according to the aviation weather forecast; a northeast wind will continue to blow across coastal terminals at 10-20 knots, evolving to easterly tonight and diminishing to around 5 knots.
