For those starting off their week in Orlando, it's important to note the National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory in effect until 9 AM for most of east central Florida, so be careful on your morning commute. The fog risk continues throughout the mornings until at least midweek, with visibility potentially dropping to a quarter mile in some areas. Motorists should watch for sudden changes in visibility, warned the National Weather Service.
Despite the early fog, the outlook for the week is warm, unusually so for January. Many spots in the area are expected to see temperatures in the lower 80s, creating a brief kiss of summer in the midst of winter. According to the latest update, mainly dry conditions prevail, while the chances of a cold front moving in next weekend remain up in the air. Cooler weather may take hold as early as Sunday, but rain remains a limited prospect.
The area's high pressure and warm trends are underpinned by the broad adiabatic, downsloping effects from the zonal flow across the continental U.S., which contributes to positive temperature anomalies forecasted to extend over the state. Don't expect this to hold for too long, though. As the National Weather Service Melbourne FL's discussion suggests, a longwave trough pushing into the Central and Eastern United States could mix things up, leading to a cooler, albeit drier, beginning of next week.
For those who thrive in warm winter days, you'll find solace in the week ahead. Early morning fog should dissipate daily to reveal mostly clear skies and temperatures steadily climbing. Orlando and Leesburg might even flirt with record highs by Friday, offering a chance for residents to bask in the unexpected heat before the weekend hints at introducing a brisker atmosphere. By Friday, places from Lake County to the Kissimmee Basin have a 20-40% chance of reaching 85 degrees, noted the National Weather Service in their forecast discussion.
Marine conditions reflect the calm on land, as high pressure makes for favorable sea conditions throughout the work week. Mariners can expect gentle to moderate breezes and a decrease in sea levels from 3-5 FT today to 2-3 FT Tuesday through Friday. While a weak disturbance may prompt a few showers over the Atlantic waters through Tuesday, significant fronts should stay well to the north of local seas, as per the latest marine forecast.
Finally, for flyers, expect the fog to cause some disruptive visibility conditions with a mixed bag from MVFR in the north to LIFR in the south, lifting by 14Z. Clearing skies during the day should bring welcome relief, and the rest of the week is looking favorable for travel, although another bout of IFR/LIFR conditions may develop after 06Z Tuesday, particularly for inland terminals such as MCO, SFB, and LEE, according to the aviation forecast obtained from the National Weather Service.
