ORLANDO, Fla. – For the past week, Central Florida has been experiencing dry, dusty air from the Sahara. This has kept rain chances moderate, affected air quality, and created vivid sunrises and sunsets.
On Friday, the dust will start to clear, improving air quality in some areas. Rain chances will increase to 50% in the metro area and even higher in western counties. Afternoon highs will be in the mid-90s, feeling like 105-107° with a mix of sun and clouds.
Showers and storms are expected to develop after 3 p.m., with some thunderstorms possibly bringing heavy rain, gusty winds (30-40 mph), and lightning.
This weekend, rain chances will rise to 60-70%. Central Florida is still very dry, so the rain will be helpful. It won’t be a total washout, but many cities should get a good soaking. Afternoon highs will stay in the mid to upper 90s, feeling like triple digits.
TROPICS:
A few tropical waves moving from off the coast of Africa into the eastern tropical Atlantic could potentially organize in the next 8-14 days if they can get through the Saharan dust.
Development in the Atlantic basin is unlikely over the next week, primarily because of the current MJO (Madden–Julian oscillation) phase and Saharan dust. However, long-range Euro models hint that we might see some potential development in early August, particularly in the western Atlantic, northern Caribbean, and possibly near Florida.
While the Euro models suggest this possibility, the GFS models predict no development at all.
It’s still uncertain, but this gives a preview of what could be on the horizon.
As of the latest update Friday morning, The National Hurricane Center hasn’t highlighted any areas of concern.