Orlando Sizzles at 94 Before Lightning-Filled Weekend Downpours Roll In

Orlando is starting Friday, August 28, with clear skies and temperatures around 75 degrees, but the calm will give way to a hot, storm-prone afternoon. Highs are expected near 94 degrees, with the heat index reaching 103 before showers and thunderstorms become possible after 2 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday’s storms could bring frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 55 mph and locally heavy rain. The heaviest downpours could produce around 3 inches in less than two hours, creating temporary flooding in urban and poor-drainage areas.

Heat Builds Before The Rain

Mostly sunny skies should dominate through early afternoon, with a light south-southwest wind around 5 mph. The chance of rain rises after 2 p.m., and Friday night will stay unsettled with a low near 76 and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight.

The Friday rain chance is lower than the previous outlook, but the weekend remains active. Hoodline’s earlier forecast had called for a wetter Friday, while the latest update shifts the bigger storm risk into Saturday and Sunday.

Weekend Storms Shift Inland

Saturday will again reach about 94 degrees, with the heat index near 103 and a 70% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 76 and a 50% rain chance.

Sunday looks wetter, with rain possible during the morning before showers and thunderstorms become more likely from late morning through the afternoon. As east-to-southeast winds strengthen, storms are expected to move inland faster, putting Orlando and other interior communities in the crosshairs later in the day.

Next Week Stays Hot And Stormy

Daily storm chances remain elevated from Monday through Thursday, ranging from 60% to 70%, while highs stay in the low to mid-90s. Heat indices could approach 108 degrees in spots next week, so outdoor plans should include plenty of water, breaks in shade or air conditioning, and a quick retreat indoors whenever thunder is heard.

No watches, warnings or advisories are currently posted for the area, but lightning and sudden heavy rain can still disrupt commutes, outdoor events and evening plans. The safest bet is to finish exposed outdoor activities before storms build in the afternoon.