ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is gearing up for another week beginning with showers and thunderstorms, only to have Saharan Dust sweep in, bringing with it drier air and rising temperatures.
Tonight
Earlier-than-expected showers and storms, marked by robust intensity, have already moved through the region, stabilizing the atmosphere. The fiercest weather has passed, leaving scattered light rain across Central Florida until sunset. After 9 p.m., the likelihood of rain diminishes, leading to a dry night with temperatures settling in the mid to upper 70s.
Monday
Moisture lingering in the atmosphere will take center stage again on Monday, temporarily overshadowing the arrival of Saharan Dust. This sets the stage for an afternoon with a moderate chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly from the west to the east. The likelihood of rain is higher in northern areas, as the dust works its way from the south, starting to reduce the existing moisture. Despite the dusty conditions, there remains a 40-50% chance of storms, albeit with less coverage compared to Sunday afternoon’s heavy showers. Expect temperatures to climb into the low 90s before cooling breezes from the storms offer some relief.
Mid-Week
Saharan Dust shows out in full force by mid-week, alongside a ridge of high pressure building over the state in the upper levels of the atmosphere.
This pair together spells a drier and hotter pattern for Central Florida. Temperatures return to the mid-upper 90s with lower rain chances. Air quality will also be on the downward trend as this plume of dust is noticeably thicker than previous spells.