Light and variable winds are expected early Thursday, before the city heads for a hot, humid afternoon with thunderstorms likely after lunch and a heat index climbing above 100 degrees.
Temperatures are forecast to peak around 93 degrees before storms develop after 2 p.m., with the most active weather possible during the afternoon commute. The National Weather Service expects showers and storms to build inland and converge near the Orlando area around or shortly after rush hour, with a 60% chance of rain.
Slow-Moving Storms Could Dump Heavy Rain
The forecast calls for slow-moving storms Thursday, creating the potential for locally heavy downpours and minor flooding in low-lying areas. A few stronger storms could produce wind gusts near 50 mph, but heavy rain is expected to be the main concern.
More Heat And Storms Through The Weekend
Friday will bring heat with a 60% chance of afternoon storms, with a high near 92 and a heat index around 102. Storm chances rise to 70% Saturday, when Orlando could again reach 93, followed by a 60% chance Sunday and a high near 92.
Overnight lows will remain in the mid-70s, keeping conditions muggy even after storms fade. Anyone spending time outside should drink plenty of water, take breaks from the heat and keep an eye on changing skies, especially during afternoon travel and outdoor activities.
Beachgoers Face Elevated Rip Current Risk
East Central Florida beaches face a moderate risk for rip currents Thursday. Swimmers should stay near a lifeguard, avoid going into the water alone and use extra caution if storms approach.
Heat and beach-safety context
A Florida Department of Health pilot study of Orlando and surrounding areas recorded 883 non-occupational and 105 occupational heat-related illness cases that were hospitalized or treated in emergency departments during 2005-2009, according to the Florida Department of Health. According to Orange County, residents can use its cooling-center directory for relief during extreme heat and should contact individual centers for current hours and availability. The National Weather Service’s preliminary 2026 records list 49 surf-zone fatalities nationwide. Rip currents can occur year-round, while FOX 35 Orlando, citing the National Weather Service in Melbourne, reports that most East Central Florida deaths occur from April through October.
