Orlando woke up cloudy, muggy, and already feeling like a sauna, with temperatures near 70°F and dew points almost matching the air temperature. In other words, it is sticky out there. Showers and thunderstorms are most likely this afternoon, with the main storm window running from late morning through late afternoon. Brief heavy downpours and gusty north-northwest winds around 20 to 25 mph could cause quick ponding on city streets and slow the afternoon commute.
Afternoon Into Tonight
The early part of the day should stay relatively quiet, but a cold front will move in and fire up showers and storms from about 11 a.m. through the afternoon. Orlando should top out near 81°F before temperatures slide back into the mid 70s later in the day. Most spots can expect a quarter to a half inch of rain this afternoon, although slow-moving bands could squeeze out higher, localized totals. Tonight, some neighborhoods may pick up an additional half to three-quarters of an inch. Winds turn breezy late in the day with gusts up to 25 mph, and overnight lows will settle in the mid 60s.
Tuesday–Thursday: Heavy Rain Risk And Strong Gusts
From Tuesday through Thursday, multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected to roll through, turning this into a stretch of unsettled weather rather than a quick-hit event. The heaviest rain is favored along the Atlantic coast, where totals of 2 to 4 inches are most likely, and isolated 5 to 7+ inch amounts are possible in slow-moving bands.
Persistent northeast winds will ramp up Tuesday into Wednesday, with frequent gusts of 25 to 35 mph. There is a 20 to 40 percent chance that some peak gusts will exceed 45 mph, which is enough to knock down a few tree limbs and cause scattered power outages. These hazards, including a Gale Watch and several Small Craft Advisories for local waters, are detailed by the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
Marine And Beach Hazards
For anyone thinking about heading to the coast, this is not the week to be casual about the ocean. Large breaking waves of 8 to 12 feet or higher offshore and numerous life-threatening rip currents are expected from Tuesday through Thursday, making conditions unsafe for swimmers and for small boats. Boat operators should avoid exposed waters while advisories and watches are in effect. Beach erosion around high tide is possible where the large waves line up with strong onshore gusts.
How To Prepare
Before the wind really kicks in, secure lightweight outdoor items and bring in patio furniture. If you can do it safely, trim weak branches, and keep flashlights handy in case the power blinks out. On the roads, slow down in heavy rain and avoid driving through flooded streets. Along the coast, steer clear of the surf. Lifeguards and emergency officials are urging people to stay off the beaches until conditions improve. Be sure to check for closures and the latest advisories before planning any coastal recreation…