Orlando is starting Friday, August 14, with clear skies and an early temperature near 81°F, but the calm morning is only a brief preview of a dangerous heat day. Highs will reach about 97°F, while humidity pushes feels-like temperatures into the triple digits.
A Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, with heat-index values of 108°F to 112°F possible across parts of east-central Florida, according to the National Weather Service in Melbourne. Residents should drink plenty of fluids, use air conditioning when possible and reschedule strenuous outdoor work for the morning or evening.
Afternoon Storms Could Pack Lightning And Gusts
Sunshine will hold through early afternoon before showers and thunderstorms become possible after 2 p.m., with a 50% chance of rain in the Orlando forecast. Most rain totals should stay near a tenth to a quarter inch, but stronger storms could bring frequent lightning, brief heavy downpours and wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph.
The light west-northwest breeze will turn more onshore during the afternoon as the sea breeze pushes inland. That could make the late-day drive and outdoor plans unpredictable, especially if a storm drops visibility and water quickly on roads.
Night Brings Little Relief
Storm chances continue into the evening and fade before 10 p.m., followed by mostly clear skies. The overnight low will be around 77°F, but the heat index could still reach 102°F, leaving little real relief after sunset.
Weekend Keeps The Heat Turned Up
Saturday and Sunday will remain sunny and brutally hot, with highs near 98°F both days and heat-index values reaching as high as 109°F Saturday. Rain chances dip to 20%, with isolated storms possible after 3 p.m. Saturday and after 2 p.m. Sunday.
Monday will bring another mostly sunny day near 97°F, followed by a slight chance of afternoon storms. The broader forecast keeps major heat impacts in place through next week, even as rain chances gradually increase.
Rain Chances Rise By Tuesday
The forecast turns wetter Tuesday, when a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms arrives as early as 8 a.m. Highs will remain near 97°F Tuesday and Wednesday, with rain chances around 40% both days before Thursday reaches about 96°F with another chance of storms.
Heat Safety Remains The Main Assignment
Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces, wear lightweight clothing and check on older neighbors, young children and pets. The City of Orlando also recommends keeping windows covered during the day and finding indoor activities when extreme heat settles in.
.jpg){kind=link}