Orlando wakes to clear skies and upper-70s temperatures Wednesday, but the quiet morning will not last. A few showers may develop between 9 and 11 a.m., with thunderstorms becoming likely from late morning through the afternoon. The main concerns are sudden heavy rain, lightning, gusty winds and heat indexes reaching 102 degrees.
Afternoon Storms Could Flood Low Spots
Temperatures will climb toward 91 degrees before storms cool parts of the city into the low 80s later in the day. The National Weather Service in Melbourne says a quarter to half inch of rain is possible, while slow-moving downpours could drop 2 to 3 inches quickly in urban, low-lying or poorly drained areas. Stronger storms may bring wind gusts around 45 mph and occasional to frequent cloud-to-ground lightning.
East-northeast winds of up to 10 mph will increase later in the day as storms move across the metro. Drivers should be ready for sudden visibility drops and water pooling, especially during the afternoon commute, and should never drive through flooded roadways. The newest outlook sharpens the stormy pattern described in Tuesday's Orlando forecast.
Thursday Through Labor Day Stay Wet
Tonight remains unsettled, with showers and thunderstorms likely before midnight and a low near 76 degrees. Thursday brings another hot, stormy day with a high near 92, a heat index as high as 103, and a 70% chance of rain. Friday through Sunday stay near 93 degrees with storm chances around 70%, while Labor Day Monday looks similar at about 92 degrees with an 80% storm chance.
Beachgoers Face Dangerous Rip Currents
Anyone heading east to the coast should check conditions before getting in the water. Forecasters are calling for a high risk of dangerous rip currents at Volusia and northern Brevard beaches, with a moderate risk along the Treasure Coast and southern Brevard. Swimmers should stay near lifeguards, follow posted beach flags and get out immediately when thunder is heard.
