Orlando, Fla. – Blue skies and bright sunshine are setting the stage for another steamy day across Central Florida, but don’t let the quiet morning fool you. Heat builds quickly before scattered thunderstorms bubble up later this afternoon, bringing lightning, gusty winds and locally heavy rain that could slow the evening drive.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, temperatures will climb to around 93 degrees this afternoon under mostly sunny skies. South winds of 5 to 10 mph will occasionally gust to 20 mph before a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms develops after 4 p.m.
The early part of the day offers favorable conditions for outdoor plans, but meteorologists are tracking the typical summertime sea breeze pattern that will help trigger scattered storms by late afternoon. While widespread severe weather is not expected, any stronger storm could produce frequent lightning, brief wind gusts and heavy rainfall capable of reducing visibility in a matter of minutes.
Drivers along Interstate 4, Florida’s Turnpike, State Road 408 and State Road 417 should prepare for rapidly changing conditions during the afternoon commute. Wet pavement and sudden downpours may create slow travel around Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee and surrounding communities. If thunder roars, head indoors and postpone outdoor recreation until storms move away.
The unsettled summer pattern continues into Sunday, with another 30 percent chance of afternoon thunderstorms and highs near 92 degrees. Similar weather is expected Monday, with rain chances increasing to 50 percent as additional showers and thunderstorms develop. Another round of scattered afternoon storms is expected on Tuesday, July 21, with temperatures reaching the mid-90s.
Across the Southeast, tropical moisture will continue fueling daily thunderstorms while hotter air expands across parts of the central United States. Central Florida remains locked into its familiar cycle of morning sunshine followed by afternoon storm development.
Planning to be outdoors later today? Tell us if storms reached your neighborhood or if you’re seeing lightning across Central Florida.
Five-Day Forecast for Orlando, Florida
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, then a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 92°F, Low 77°F.
- Monday: Slight chance of storms early, then a 50% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 93°F, Low 77°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, then a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 94°F, Low 77°F.
- Wednesday: Mostly sunny with a 30% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High 94°F, Low 77°F.
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot with a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms. High 95°F, Low 76°F.
