Melbourne, Fla. – Central Florida faces a busy stretch of weather Friday as numerous thunderstorms develop during the afternoon, bringing the potential for wind gusts up to 45 mph, frequent lightning and localized flooding before an even wetter pattern settles in for the weekend. Beachgoers also face a moderate risk of dangerous rip currents along the entire Atlantic coastline from Volusia County south through the Treasure Coast.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, high moisture and a persistent west-to-east weather pattern will fuel widespread afternoon and evening thunderstorms across east-central Florida. Some of the strongest storms may produce 1 to 4 inches of rainfall, especially where multiple rounds of heavy rain move over the same communities. Wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph and small hail are also possible in stronger storms.
The greatest impacts are expected across Orlando, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Leesburg and Kissimmee, where rain chances reach around 70% Friday and increase to 80% for many locations Saturday and Sunday. The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of east-central Florida under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 4) for excessive rainfall Friday and Saturday, meaning isolated flooding is possible where storms repeatedly track over the same area.
Residents should be prepared for ponding on roads during the afternoon commute, brief visibility reductions in heavy rain and dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning. If thunder is heard, move indoors immediately and remain there until at least 30 minutes after the last rumble.
Along Atlantic beaches in Volusia, Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties, a moderate rip current risk continues Friday. Even though surf heights remain around 2 feet, dangerous rip currents can develop in otherwise calm-looking water. Swimmers should stay near staffed lifeguard towers and avoid entering the ocean if conditions appear hazardous.
Rain and storm chances remain elevated through the weekend as a stalled boundary near north Florida keeps tropical moisture in place. Additional flood or marine advisories may be issued if heavier bands of rain develop.
Five-Day Forecast for Melbourne, Florida
- Friday: High 91°F. Numerous afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Around 69% chance of rain with wind gusts up to 45 mph possible.
- Saturday: High temperatures near the lower 90s. Numerous showers and thunderstorms with around an 80% chance of rain.
- Sunday: High temperatures near the lower 90s. Scattered to numerous thunderstorms. Around an 80% chance of rain.
- Monday: Continued warm and humid with scattered afternoon thunderstorms possible.
- Tuesday: Typical summer pattern with warm temperatures and additional afternoon storm chances.
