Orlando starts Monday, August 31, mostly clear and muggy, with temperatures in the upper 70s early. Sunshine will have a short lease: showers and thunderstorms become likely after noon, and temperatures could fall from near 92 degrees into the low 80s as storms move through.
Storms Build After Noon
The latest outlook from the National Weather Service gives Orlando a 60% chance of rain Monday, with northeast winds between 0 and 10 mph. Hourly storm chances rise through the afternoon, making the post-lunch commute and outdoor plans the most vulnerable part of the day.
Storms may bring 40- to 50-mph wind gusts, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and locally heavy rain. A quarter to half inch of rainfall is possible, with slow-moving downpours capable of ponding roads and causing minor flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas.
Rain Chances Stay High Through Sunday
Monday night will remain mostly cloudy, with a low near 75 and a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. Tuesday, September 1, brings a high near 91 and a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with the best odds from late morning through the afternoon.
The unsettled pattern continues Wednesday, September 2, through Sunday, September 6, with highs near 92 to 93 degrees, overnight lows in the mid-70s and daily storm chances around 70%. An earlier Hoodline forecast covered the week’s heat and storms, but the latest outlook keeps the wet pattern going into the weekend and flags the possibility of locally heavier rain around the middle of the week.
Heat Still Matters Between Downpours
Even with frequent rain, muggy air will push afternoon heat indices into the 100s, especially before storms arrive. Residents spending time outside should take breaks in shade or air conditioning, drink plenty of water and move indoors as soon as thunder is heard.
No watches, warnings or advisories are posted for the area in the current forecast, but drivers should still be ready for sudden heavy rain, reduced visibility and water pooling on city streets. The Atlantic waters will also remain a hazard for boaters as storms and gusty winds develop through the week.
