Orlando woke to clear skies and a temperature near 75°F early Wednesday, but the calm start is expected to give way to a hot, stormy afternoon. Highs should reach about 91°F, with showers and thunderstorms becoming possible after 1 p.m. as humidity piles onto the summer heat.
Afternoon Storms Return After 1 p.m.
The chance of rain is about 50% Wednesday, with the best odds from midafternoon into early evening. Most rainfall may be light, but stronger storms could bring frequent lightning, torrential downpours and wind gusts around 40 to 50 mph; a few spots could see 2 to 4 inches in a short burst, raising the possibility of minor urban flooding.
Heat Indexes Push Into The 100s
Even where storms miss, the air will feel hotter than the thermometer suggests, with peak heat indexes expected around 100 to 105 degrees. Southeast winds will stay light, generally 0 to 5 mph, before an onshore breeze helps push storms inland later in the day.
Thursday Through Saturday Look Wetter
Thursday brings another hot day near 92°F and a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, while Friday has the week’s highest rain chance at 70%. Friday’s showers may begin in the morning before storms become more widespread later, and Saturday stays hot near 93°F with a 60% chance of rain. At area beaches, east winds and choppy surf are expected to raise rip-current danger by Friday.
Drier Pattern Arrives Next Week
Storm chances ease to about 40% Sunday and 30% Monday and Tuesday, although temperatures climb to 93 or 94°F. With less rain to break up the heat, afternoon heat indexes could edge toward 105 to 108 degrees early next week.
Plan Around Lightning And Downpours
Outdoor plans are most vulnerable from early afternoon through evening, especially Wednesday through Saturday, so keep an indoor backup ready and move inside when thunder is heard. No watches or warnings are currently posted for Orlando, but brief flooding and dangerous lightning can still develop in stronger cells, according to the National Weather Service.
