Melbourne, FL – Central Florida residents face dangerous beach conditions today as forecasters warn of a high rip current risk along the Atlantic coast. Combined with heat indices topping 100 degrees and scattered afternoon storms, outdoor plans could be disrupted throughout the week.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, rain chances will gradually increase as deep tropical moisture moves north. Daytona Beach is forecast for a 30% chance of rain, while Orlando and surrounding areas hold 40–60% chances, highest south toward Vero Beach and Port St. Lucie. Storms could bring gusts up to 45 mph, frequent lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.
Despite distant Major Hurricane Gabrielle moving northeast across the Atlantic, long-period swells are reaching Florida’s east coast, fueling dangerous surf. The weather service stressed that entering the water is not advised due to life-threatening rip currents.
Temperatures will stay in the upper 80s to lower 90s across the region, with heat indices peaking between 100–106°. Afternoon storms are expected each day through Saturday, with the strongest storms most likely during the late afternoon and evening hours.
Forecasters said Gabrielle poses no imminent threat to East Central Florida. Two additional tropical waves in the Atlantic are being monitored, but it is too early to determine whether they could impact the region.
