Orlando

Orlando Bakes Under Heat Alert as Rush-Hour Storms Loom

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Published on July 28, 2026
Orlando Bakes Under Heat Alert as Rush-Hour Storms LoomSource: formulanone from Huntsville, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Orlando is starting Tuesday, July 28, 2026, under clear but soupy skies, with temperatures already in the upper 70s and humidity cranking the “feels like” factor well higher. A Heat Advisory is in effect for parts of east-central Florida from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., as high temperatures push toward 95°F and the heat index is projected to peak between 105°F and 109°F.

What to Expect Today

Plan on mostly sunny conditions through the morning, with showers and thunderstorms developing after 1 p.m. and ramping up in coverage through the late afternoon and early evening. Forecasters warn that some storms could drop brief heavy rain and kick up gusty winds. The forecast discussion highlights the chance for stronger cells to tap into drier air aloft and produce wind gusts near 50–55 mph. West-southwest winds will run about 5–10 mph inland while a stronger offshore breeze develops, and highs should ease back into the low 90s later in the day, according to NWS Melbourne.

Afternoon Commute And Outdoor Plans

Those late-day downpours and lightning could make for a messy ride home, with slick roads and brief localized flooding in low-lying areas, so budget in extra travel time. If you have outdoor plans, it is smart to wrap things up before early afternoon or shift activities indoors. Parks, youth programs and construction crews should be ready to rotate people into the shade and offer frequent water breaks. Keep children and pets out of vehicles at all times and watch closely for signs of heat exhaustion if you are spending time outside.

Cooling Centers And Local Resources

Orange County has lowered its heat-index activation threshold to 103°F and will provide free LYNX rides to designated cooling locations once that mark is hit. Libraries, community centers and partner shelters are available across the county as cooling spots, with hours and services listed on county pages. For full details and the current list of cooling locations, see Orange County Newsroom.

More From Hoodline

This advisory comes on the heels of multiple heat alerts earlier in the week; for more background, see our coverage of Orlando’s recent broiler of a Monday. Updates will follow if the advisory is adjusted or any new warnings are issued later Tuesday.