Orlando weather: Heat, humidity and storm chances build ahead of Fourth of July weekend

ORLANDO, Fla. - For the rest of Thursday evening, showers and storms will stay on the scattered side.

Steamy temperatures and higher chances of evening showers and storms will gradually return.

Heat, humidity and storm chances return

How hot will it get?:

A huge heat dome, or an area of high pressure, is setting up to our north. This will really cause brutal heat across the eastern half of the country.

Make sure you are staying hydrated because feel like temps will be well into the triple digits.

Timeline:

Rain chances will be on the rise as well. By Friday, highs will be even hotter in the mid 90s with higher humidity and moisture levels. This will lead to more rounds of downpours and storms, at around 60% on Friday afternoon and evening.

Timeline: Most of the storms will begin to form and pop up starting at around noon and will continue through roughly 9-10 p.m.

Heavy rain, gusty winds, and frequent lightning are possible, so be sure to adjust outdoor plans accordingly.

Summerlike July 4th weekend

Will it be a washout?:

Looking ahead into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the forecast features a very Florida-like setup.

Friday looks like the better day to see firework displays as opposed to Saturday. With the chances of rain going up, it won't be a wash-out, but we will be watching the storms closely when it is time to set fireworks off to celebrate Red, Hot & Boom on July 3rd in Altamonte Springs or any Fourth of July celebrations such as Fireworks at The Fountain at Lake Eola Park in Orlando, or a Star-Spangled Sanford.

Red, Hot & Boom forecast

Fireworks at The Fountain at Lake Eola forecast

Star-Spangled Sanford forecast

Fourth of July at Disney forecast

There could be downpours and storms paired with hot and humid temperatures. Plan for a 60-70% chance of showers and storms that will bring the potential of heavy soaking rain, gusty winds and frequent lightning.

If you have outdoor plans to celebrate, just keep a close eye on the skies and have a safe place to shelter from the lightning. Remember, if you can hear the roar of thunder, you're within striking distance of lightning!

This could not only impact your BBQ and pool plans, but also any outdoor fireworks shows. Bottom line, keeping the rain gear handy is a safe bet. Temperature wise, it's going to be steamy.