Orlando is waking up clear and near 79 degrees Friday morning, but the quiet start is temporary. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become likely by late morning and continue through the afternoon, with temperatures reaching around 91 degrees before storms pull readings down into the mid-80s.
Storms Arrive Before The Weekend
The National Weather Service in Melbourne is calling for a 70% chance of rain Friday, with the most active period running from late morning into the afternoon. The heat index could reach 100 to 105 degrees before storms arrive, making the air feel more like a sauna than a typical summer morning.
A few of the stronger storms could bring frequent lightning, downpours, wind gusts of 35 to 45 mph and possibly small hail, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Rainfall totals of a quarter-inch to half-inch are possible in many spots, while repeated storm bands could quickly overwhelm drainage in low-lying areas.
Saturday And Sunday Keep Outdoor Plans On Alert
Saturday looks much the same, with a high near 90 and an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms from late morning through the afternoon. Storms could linger into Saturday night, when the low is expected to fall to around 75 degrees.
Sunday brings another warm day near 90 degrees and an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with some rain possible as early as the morning. South to southwest winds may gust to around 25 mph, while the strongest storms could again produce dangerous lightning, heavy rain, and locally gusty winds.
More Typical Summer Pattern Arrives Next Week
The unsettled pattern should ease somewhat by Tuesday and Wednesday as high pressure builds over Florida. Afternoon and evening storms are still expected, but they should become more typical sea-breeze thunderstorms focused farther inland rather than repeated rounds spreading across the region.
No watches or warnings were listed for Orlando Friday morning, but residents should bring outdoor plans indoors quickly when thunder approaches. The combination of saturated ground, intense downpours, and urban drainage can turn a routine summer storm into a short-lived flooding problem.
