Orlando woke up to clear skies Saturday, but the easy-looking morning is expected to turn dangerously hot by afternoon. Temperatures will climb toward 97 degrees, while humidity pushes the feels-like temperature as high as 112.
A Heat Advisory is in effect across east central Florida from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. The National Weather Service is urging people to drink plenty of fluids, limit strenuous outdoor activity and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
Sun First, Storms Later
Most of the day will stay sunny, with only a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Any storm that develops could bring lightning, a brief heavy downpour and wind gusts of up to 50 mph.
Saturday night should turn mostly clear, although the heat will not disappear completely. The low will settle near 78 degrees, with muggy conditions lingering into the overnight hours.
Another Hot Weekend Day Ahead
Sunday will look much like Saturday, with mostly sunny skies, a high near 97 and heat-index values reaching 109. Storm chances remain slight until late afternoon, and another Heat Advisory may be needed.
Rain chances increase early next week as more moisture moves back into the region. Monday brings a 30% chance of afternoon storms and a high near 97, followed by a hotter Tuesday near 98 with a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Cooling Options Around Orange County
Orange County says cooling locations are available during normal business hours, and LYNX offers free rides to and from designated sites when the heat index reaches 103 degrees or higher. The county’s extreme heat information page lists Barnett Recreation Center, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, among the available locations.
Children, older adults, pets and anyone working outside face extra risk in this kind of heat. Never leave people or animals in a parked vehicle, and call 911 if someone shows signs of heat stroke.
