With the Northeast winds sweeping in at 15-20 mph and seas thrashing up to 7 feet high, Orlando residents and visitors are being advised to stay away from the treacherous waters today. According to a report from the National Weather Service Melbourne FL, there's a pronounced high risk of rip currents at all area beaches, and hitting the surf is not just discouraged.
While the northern gusts may put a damper on any thoughts of a peaceful beach day, they're ushering in a drying trend that promises clear skies and seasonable temperatures over central Florida for the remainder of the week. As the report suggests, the upper-level high-pressure system stationed over Texas will make its way to us, keeping the rain at bay and allowing mid-70s to low 80s temperatures to take hold. However, come nighttime, it’s slated to dip – with inland areas feeling a slight chill as temperatures hover in the mid-to-upper 50s to low 60s, while coastal regions can anticipate lows in the low 60s to low 70s.
Not all is calm on the marine front either. The advisory extends its caution to seafarers, with poor to hazardous seas continuing today, the National Weather Service warns, signaling a Small Craft Advisory in effect for the offshore Brevard and Treasure Coast waters through 7 PM EST. Nearshore boaters aren't exempt from the rough conditions, with a recommendation to exercise caution when navigating these tumultuous tides.
For the non-maritime folks, the upcoming weather forecast may seem more welcoming. The report predicts a gradual warming trend through this weekend, followed by a stronger cold front that's likely to bring a noticeable cool down early next week. Although rain chances remain low for the week, they're expected to creep back into forecasts late week into the weekend as a new cold front rolls in. This could spell a brief period of wet weather for some, especially the Treasure Coast, but until the models reach a consensus, the forecast remains largely guesswork.
The skies will maintain their composure for aviators as well. VFR conditions are anticipated through most of the TAF period, with the only hiccup being some onshore-moving marine stratocumulus clouds.
