Orlando started Tuesday, August 4, with clear skies, sticky air, and temperatures around 79 degrees, but the calm will not last. The city is expected to heat up near 90 degrees before showers and thunderstorms become likely after noon, with storms potentially knocking afternoon temperatures back into the low 80s.
The National Weather Service in Melbourne forecasts a 70% chance of rain Tuesday, with the most active window likely from early afternoon through about 5 p.m. Storms could bring frequent lightning, brief heavy downpours and wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph, while several inches of rain in a short period could cause localized flooding in urban and poorly drained areas, according to the National Weather Service.
Heat And Storms Share The Afternoon
Heat index values could reach 100 to 105 degrees before storms develop, making the stretch around midday especially uncomfortable for anyone working or exercising outside. The southwesterly breeze will run around 5 to 10 mph, with stronger gusts possible near thunderstorms.
Rain chances ease Tuesday night, though a few showers and storms remain possible through about 10 p.m. Skies should turn partly cloudy, with temperatures settling near 75 degrees and lighter south winds.
Storm Chances Continue Through The Weekend
Wednesday brings another hot afternoon, with a high near 91 and a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Thursday looks slightly hotter near 92, with a 60% chance of rain and storms plus east winds that could gust to 20 mph.
The wettest stretch of the extended forecast arrives Friday and Saturday, when storm chances climb to 70% each day. East winds may gust as high as 25 mph, and forecasters are warning of choppier surf and a heightened risk of life-threatening rip currents along Central Florida beaches.
Sunday And Monday Turn Hotter
Storm chances dip somewhat Sunday and Monday, but the heat rises, with highs near 93 and 94 degrees. Afternoon thunderstorms will remain possible, so Orlando's forecast continues to favor a familiar summer routine: sunny and steamy first, stormy later.
