Orlando weather: FOX 35 Storm Team Alert in effect as heat index nears historic records
Orlando Weather: Excessive heat alert, 5-days of storms ahead
Areas in Central and South Florida have reached a new heat record with temperatures topping out a 99 and 100 degrees for the air temperatures. Though an excessive heat alert is set to finish up, FOX 35 is tracking five days of storms ahead.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A large "heat dome" is still sitting over Florida with significant heat for the time of year. As the heat dome will have less impact this weekend, afternoon/evening shower and storm chances will return.
A FOX 35 Storm Team Alert remains in effect through Saturday as temperatures will get close to tying or surpassing heat records.
The record high for July 11 in Orlando is 98 degrees – set in 1892 and 1989.
New record highs for Friday, July 10
- 100° Clermont (new record)
- 100° Ocala (one degree below record)
- 99° Winter Haven (tied record)
- 99° Mount Dora (tied record)
- 97° Orlando (two degrees below record)
Watch: Have allergies? Watch out for dust particles this weekend
Health Alert: Incoming Saharan Dust can increase Asthma, allergies
Though the incoming Saharan Dust brings unique orange-hued sunset skies, those with allergies or Asthma may want to stay indoors. Experts say the dust -- bringing particles of quartz, clay and carbonates -- can cause irritation in a person's breathing and respiratory system.
Chances of storms this weekend
Central Florida is gearing up for a cool down this weekend – with five straight days of potential storms starting on Sunday.
Saturday storms should pop late afternoon and be scattered through the evening. Sunday storms will pop very early in the afternoon, and the bulk of the action is done by dinner time.
The timing and impact of the storms and showers over the weekend differ: one or two at times may turn severe for a localized damaging wind gust or hail report.
How does Saharan Dust impact storms?
Data shows a rising chance of more widespread evening storms. Despite the Saharan Dust, storms are still likely to form, but the dust can make it harder for storms to form.
The sky will look very muted Saturday night into Sunday as the most dense plume of dust passes over us.
Remember the dust is 5,000 to 15,000 feet up in the sky. Some reduction in air quality will occur.
Saharan Dust can make storms produce more lightning, and stronger gusty winds.
The Source: Information in this story was gathered by FOX 35's Noah Bergren.