Orlando weather turned stormy Friday as a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for southern Orlando through 2:15 p.m. Julie Broughton said the greatest coverage of rain and storms was expected today across Central Florida, with the afternoon and evening carrying the highest storm chances.
She put the chance of showers and thunderstorms today at 70%. Broughton also said some storms could bring wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph, frequent lightning, heavy downpours and small hail, with localized flooding possible where storms keep moving over the same areas.
Julie Broughton on Father’s Day
Rain chances eased slightly on Father’s Day, but scattered afternoon and evening storms remained in the forecast. Broughton said the first half of the day would be the best chance to stay dry before storm chances increased later in the afternoon.
Sunday was expected to follow a more typical summertime pattern, with the highest storm coverage during the afternoon as sea breezes collided inland. The greatest chance of rain appeared to be between Orlando and the I-95 corridor, while isolated storms were possible elsewhere.
Central Florida heat and rain
Central Florida was expected to stay hot and humid through the weekend. High temperatures were expected to reach the lower 90s along the coast and the low to mid-90s inland, with peak heat index values in the triple digits and A Moderate to locally Major HeatRisk in place.
Rain chances were expected to drop to around 20% both days next week, and many areas could remain completely dry, especially north of Orlando. Highs were expected to stay in the low to mid-90s through much of next week, with the quieter pattern lasting through at least Tuesday before rain chances began increasing again during the middle of next week.
Orlando and the I-95 corridor
For people in southern Orlando and nearby parts of Central Florida, the practical window is clear: storms were already in play, the strongest coverage was expected later today, and the best dry stretch for Father’s Day was the first half of the day. That leaves outdoor plans most exposed once the afternoon build begins.
