Orlando is starting the day sticky but deceptively calm, waking up to clear skies and about 68°F. That quiet setup will not last long. Southerly winds are expected to crank afternoon highs into the low to mid 80s ahead of a sharp cold front, setting the stage for scattered showers and thunderstorms later in the day, some of which could turn strong to severe.
Afternoon Storms And Rough Seas
Forecasters have placed the Orlando area under a Slight Risk for strong to severe storms on Monday afternoon and evening, roughly from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026. The main concerns are damaging straight-line wind gusts over 60 mph, quarter-sized hail, and a low chance of a brief tornado. Storms may fire up as isolated cells around midday, then congeal into a broken line that could snarl the I-4 corridor during the late afternoon commute and push toward the Treasure Coast by early evening. The National Weather Service Melbourne is also flagging hazardous marine conditions and Small Craft Advisories for nearshore waters and the Gulf Stream.
Tonight Into Tuesday
Showers and thunderstorms are likely into early Monday night, with the heavier action fading after midnight and only spotty coastal showers hanging on. By daybreak, low temperatures should settle into the upper 40s inland and near 50 along the coast. Tuesday turns sharply cooler, with a high near 61°F and north to northwest winds of 10 to 15 mph. Wind chills could drop into the mid to upper 30s northwest of I-4 Tuesday morning. After that, expect a drier, cooler Tuesday before a gradual warm-up slides back in later in the week.
Plan Ahead
If you have outdoor plans lined up for this afternoon or evening, it is a good bet to move gatherings indoors and tie down or bring in loose yard furniture. Build in extra time for the late day and evening drive in case storms slow traffic or knock down branches, and do not try to drive through flooded streets. Keep phones on and charged for Wireless Emergency Alerts and follow directions from local emergency officials. For the latest watches, warnings, and marine statements, check the National Weather Service Melbourne.
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