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Orlando weather: Storm Team alert for high heat; rain chances increase

By
FOX 35 Orlando
Weather Forecast
Published August 16, 2026 8:58 AM EDT
Published August 16, 2026 8:58 AM EDT

The Brief

    • Central Florida is experiencing record-breaking, dangerous heat under a high-pressure ridge.
    • Rain chances will gradually increase midweek as a cold front breaks down the ridge, bringing scattered severe storms capable of heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds by Tuesday and Wednesday.
    • The tropics remain quiet with no development expected over the next seven days, as Saharan dust and wind shear continue to suppress active waves.

ORLANDO, Fla. - High-heat temperatures continue to persist throughout the remainder of the weekend and into the start of the week. 

This dominant ridge of high pressure holds through the weekend. A major to extreme heat risk is expected across Central Florida this weekend, with heat indices in the upper 100s and low 110s.

Leesburg broke its record high for Aug. 16, with temperatures reaching 97 degrees. The city's previous record hight was 96 degrees – set in 2011. 

Heat advisories in effect

 Some isolated spots may be able to sneak up even hotter than that. Heat Advisories are in effect through 8 PM Sunday evening, and we'll likely see more get issued on Monday. Be sure to drink plenty of water and not overdo it outside.

Rain chances increase this week

As the start of the week continues to have hot and dry conditions, a pop-up isolated storm is set to reach Central Florida, Monday afternoon. 

On Tuesday, the chance for showers and storms starts to grow as this ridge starts to breakdown due to a front moving in. Scattered showers and storms are also expected by Wednesday and Thursday of next week. 

Main threats include torrential rain, gusty winds, vivid lightning and small hail with stronger storms.

Tracking the tropics

FOX 35 is monitoring potential tropical activity, but nothing is expected in the next seven days. 

Meteorologists were previously watching two tropical waves. However, these disturbances were sheared away by strong winds aloft or dissolved from the dry Saharan dust. 

This trend seems to hold for a while — but the dust will slowly fade away.

The peak of hurricane season is September 10.

The Source: Information in this story was gathered from FOX 35's Laurel Blanchard. 

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