Orlando is starting Saturday clear, but the calm morning will give way to a hot afternoon with temperatures near 95 degrees and a heat index as high as 102. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become possible after 2 p.m., bringing a messy mix of lightning, downpours and gusty winds.
Storms Arrive After The Heat Builds
Most of the morning should stay mostly sunny as temperatures climb through the 80s and into the low 90s. The National Weather Service in Melbourne says stronger storms could produce frequent lightning, wind gusts up to 55 mph, small hail and heavy rain, with 1 to 3 inches possible in some spots.
Storm chances will be highest during the afternoon and early evening, before activity gradually shifts toward the coast and offshore later Saturday night. Outdoor plans should include a quick route indoors, especially once thunder starts rumbling.
Sunday Through Wednesday Stay Hot
Sunday will bring another mostly sunny start, with a high near 93 and a 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Monday and Tuesday return to highs near 95, with storm chances running lower Monday and rising to about 30% Tuesday.
Overnight lows will remain in the mid-70s, so relief after sunset will be limited. Heat indices could reach 102 to 107 through the weekend and into early next week, making water, shade and air conditioning especially important for anyone spending extended time outside.
Rain Chances Rise Later Next Week
Wednesday stays hot near 94 degrees with a 40% storm chance, while Thursday and Friday bring the wettest outlook of the period. Storm chances reach about 60% both days, generally favoring afternoon and evening downpours after partly sunny mornings.
Orange County says LYNX offers free rides to designated cooling locations when the heat index reaches 103 degrees or higher. One listed option is the Marks Street Senior Recreation Complex at 99 E. Marks St. in Orlando, and residents should also avoid leaving children or pets in parked vehicles.
