Orlando is in for a sunny, hot Wednesday with a high near 94°F and just a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3 PM — get your outdoor plans done in the morning and keep half an eye on the radar once early afternoon rolls around.
Today’s Setup
According to the National Weather Service Melbourne office, broad high pressure is parked over the Florida peninsula, driving a west wind at 5 to 10 mph that pushes the west coast sea breeze inland fast this afternoon. The east coast sea breeze will try to push in too, and forecasters expect the two to collide somewhere over east central Florida late this afternoon — that’s your best clue for where storms fire first. A layer of Saharan dust overhead is actually capping some of that development, which is why rain chances sit at a modest 20% today. Tonight cools to a low around 77°F with any lingering storm activity wrapping up before 8 PM and skies going mostly clear.
Best Window To Be Outside
Morning through early afternoon is your window — think Lake Eola, a walk around Winter Park, or getting to Disney, Universal, or SeaWorld right at rope drop before the sea breeze kicks winds up to 10-15 mph and clouds build. Yard work, mowing, and grilling all fit best before 2 PM.
Rain, Wind, Or Heat Risk
The NWS flags lightning, gusty winds, and heavy downpours as the main hazards with any storm that does form, so treat any rumble of thunder as your cue to head indoors. If you’re heading to the coast today, a moderate rip current risk is in place at east central Florida beaches — swim near a lifeguard. With highs near 94°F, pace outdoor activity and lean on an insulated tumbler 30oz to stay hydrated through the afternoon heat.
What To Wear Or Bring
Sunscreen and light layers for the heat, a women’s swimsuit if you’re pool- or beach-bound, and binoculars for bird watching if you’re catching the cooler morning hours at a park. If you’re settling into shade for the afternoon lull, a hammock with stand is a nice way to ride out the muggiest stretch of the day.
Orlando City SC & This Week’s Shows
Orlando City SC take on Atlanta United FC on July 18 — grab tickets on SeatGeek and gear up with an Orlando City SC jersey or Orlando City SC scarf. Closer to home, Megan Moroney’s Cloud 9 Tour hits Kia Center on July 16 — get tickets on StubHub and pick up a Megan Moroney hat before the show. If you’re up for a short drive, Lindsey Stirling plays St Augustine Amphitheatre on July 20.
Helpful Links
Heading out on the water while conditions are calm? The Plano tackle box deal is worth a look, and with storm season ramping up, the DARAN 288Wh power station deal is smart backup power to have on hand.
Dinner Idea
With highs near 94°F, it’s too hot to stand over a stove tonight. A cold Thai noodle salad, a build-your-own wrap bar, or smoothie bowls all keep the kitchen cool — a high-powered blender makes quick work of smoothie bowls. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Thursday looks similar with a high near 94°F, but rain chances step up to 40% as moisture builds across east central Florida, and the NWS expects storm coverage to keep increasing into the weekend and next week, with peak heat indices climbing further by early next week.
