Orlando Weather: Upcoming heat could shatter former records

Published May 4, 2026 6:36 AM EDT

Central Florida is bracing for a significant surge in temperatures this week, with record-breaking heat expected by Thursday.

High temperatures in the mid-90s – generally seen by the end of May – are expected to in the latter half of this week. 

What we know:

Largely tied to how dry Central Florida has been, potentially record-breaking heat is headed our way. 

A powerful seabreeze is helping keep temperatures cool on Monday. 

Forecast hights

Evening temperatures on Monday, May 4

  • Palm Coast: 75 degrees
  • Ocala: 82 degrees
  • Daytona Beach: 77 degrees
  • New Smyrna: 75 degrees
  • Cocoa Beach: 78 degrees
  • Sanford: 79 degrees
  • Orlando: 78 degrees
  • Kissimmee: 78 degrees
  • Winter Haven: 82 degrees

Orlando weather afternoon highs

Did the rain help? 

Central Florida experienced some storms in our region, with some areas getting about an inch of rain. However, in consideration of the months-long drought, the rain did very little to improve conditions. 

FOX 35's Noah Bergren described the rain as not "drought-busting, but a little bit of help." 

Orlando, Seminole County and Flagler County are expected to get at least a half inch of rain over the next few days. 

Orlando heat records

Forecast for Tuesday, May 5

A mix of clouds and sunshine with a very small chance of a pop-up PM shower. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s, otherwise and a light breeze.

  • 6 a.m. – 66 degrees
  • 9 a.m. – 73 degrees
  • 12 p.m. – 82 degrees

Record breaking heat

Record-breaking heat? 

On Thursday, May 7, temperatures are expected to jump up – potentially breaking some heat records for this day. 

  • Daytona forecast: 94 degrees. The record is 93, set in 1952. 
  • Orlando forecast: 96 degrees. The record is 98, set in 1922.
  • Sanford forecast: 96 degrees. The record is 94, set in 2009.
  • Melbourne forecast: 93 degrees. The record is 91, set in 1980.

Orlando weather forecast, week of May 4

What's next:

Central Florida's rainy season is expected to start in a few weeks. 

The Source: Information in this story was gathered from FOX 35's Noah Bergren. 

Weather ForecastWeather