ORLANDO, Fla. – A touch of drier air will continue to filter into Central Florida on Wednesday, decreasing rain coverage a bit through the afternoon.
Scattered showers and storms will still develop, with most of the focus remaining along the coast. Coverage sits at 50% inland and 60% along the coast.
With lower rain chances, temperatures will have plenty of time to heat up into the day as highs soar into the mid-90s and “feels like” temperatures up to 110 degrees.
A heat advisory is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for Lake, Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola and Brevard counties.
Rain coverage is expected to increase for Thursday, back to 60-70%, as a weak disturbance crosses over the area. The timing looks to start a bit earlier in the day, with the greatest chance for the sea breeze collision over inland neighborhoods.
The main hazards will be lightning, gusty winds (30-40 mph) and heavy rain.
The added rain and clouds should keep temperatures a bit lower, with heat indices below heat advisory criteria.
By the weekend, high pressure is expected to build over the western Atlantic, which will keep rain chances a bit lower at 40-50% but will allow highs to once again climb into the mid-90s and heat indices to hit 105-110 degrees.
After a busy start to July in the tropics, we are now seeing a welcomed lull over the next week due to the addition of more Saharan dust blowing out of Africa.
The latest forecast shows some of that dust making its way into Florida.
Along with more vivid sunrise and sunsets, the Saharan dust will slightly decrease air quality for parts of Central Florida.
Models show a moderate air quality through the afternoon. While this quality is fine for most, pollution in this range may pose a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive.