ORLANDO, Fla. – Rain coverage Thursday across Central Florida will increase slightly compared to Wednesday as a bit more moisture returns to the area.
Sea breezes look to be more active as they develop in the early afternoon and collide along I-4. Storm coverage remains at 40-50%, with the threat for some heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds.
In the meantime, the above-average temperatures will be widespread from coast to coast, with highs climbing into the mid- to low 90s. Peak heat indices will reach 103-106 degrees for several hours Thursday afternoon.
By Friday and into the weekend, the dry air will be taken over with moisture, increasing the chances for storm development over the next few afternoons. Storm coverage is forecast to remain elevated at 60-70%.
Longer-range forecast models show deeper tropical moisture moving in from the Southeast, which could be associated with a weak tropical wave. If this forecast verifies, slightly higher rain chances could climb past 70% by Monday and Tuesday.