ORLANDO, Fla. – As we start the first week of July, temperatures will be increasingly hot through Independence Day, with the heat index approaching 102-107 degrees as highs reach the mid-90s across Central Florida.
Long-range models continue to crank up “feels like” temperatures even further by the weekend, jumping to 102-109 degrees. A heat advisory (over 108 degrees) may be issued by then.
As you make your Fourth of July holiday plans, make sure they include ways of staying cool and hydrated as the risk of heat-related illnesses remains high into the weekend.
RAIN CHANCES
Scattered showers and storms are forecast each day, with rain chances favoring inland neighborhoods (50-70%) and lesser coverage along the coast (30-40%).
As for timing, storms are expected to pop up a bit later in the afternoon (after 3pm). Areas along I-4 and to the west will see a fairly late sea breeze collision, keeping storms around through mid-evening hours.
TROPICAL OUTLOOK
It has been a record-setting weekend in the tropics as we are tracking Hurricane Beryl, Tropical Storm Chris and Invest 96L.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall Monday on Carriacou Island with 150 mph winds.
The low pressure system in the wake of Hurricane Beryl currently has a high 70% chance of tropical development as it continues on a similar track to Beryl. The next name on the list is Debby.
Forecast models continue to keep an upper high stalled around Florida through the weekend. While it will keep temperatures hot and storms around, it will also be our strongest guardian against Hurricane Beryl and Invest 96L.