Orlando, Fla. – Central Florida faces a stormy Thursday with thunderstorms expected to sweep across much of the region this afternoon, raising the risk of flooding on roads and beach hazards along the Atlantic coast.
According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, a stalled front is keeping rain chances elevated, with southern counties such as Okeechobee, St. Lucie, and Indian River facing an 80% chance of showers. Inland cities including Orlando, Kissimmee, and Sanford can expect highs near 90 degrees with rain chances between 50% and 60%.
Beachgoers from Volusia to the Treasure Coast will contend with a moderate rip current risk, with three-foot surf making swimming conditions hazardous. The NWS urges visitors to stay near lifeguards and avoid swimming against currents. Even with sunny breaks, forecasters warn that rip currents can develop quickly.
Meanwhile, the tropics remain active, with an 80% chance of tropical development in the central Atlantic over the next seven days. It is too early to know whether the system will impact Florida, but residents are advised to monitor forecasts closely.
Storm chances remain high into the weekend, with another round of widespread showers possible by Friday afternoon.
Five Day Forecast for Orlando, Fla.:
- Thursday: High 90, scattered storms, 50% rain chance
- Friday: High 89, afternoon storms, 60% rain chance
- Saturday: High 88, storms likely, 70% rain chance
- Sunday: High 89, scattered storms, 50% rain chance
- Monday: High 90, partly sunny, isolated storms, 30% rain chance
