Orlando Weather Made Simple: Storms, Dust, and a Big Heatwave

Imagine you’re in Orlando, Florida. The weather experts called the FOX 35 Storm Team are watching some pretty strong rain clouds that can cause trouble. They say strong to very strong thunderstorms are happening this afternoon in Orlando and nearby areas (called Central Florida). Because of this, they have sent out special alerts called severe thunderstorm warnings for many neighborhoods (counties). These warnings are like a bell ringing to tell people: "Hey, a storm with wind that can break branches or ice balls (we call those hail) might come!"

Live Radar: Watching the Storms on a Map

We can actually see the storms moving on a live map! The FOX 35 team has a radar picture that shows where the rain is right now.

This picture is like a moving coloring book that shows green and red blobs where the rain and storms are.

Timeline: When Does the Rain Arrive?

Wondering when the water from the sky will show up? Here’s a simple step‑by‑step clock for today:

1. Around 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (noon‑ish): A few sudden heavy rain showers (downpours) start popping up like popcorn.
2. 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. (afternoon to evening): This is the biggest chance for rain and storms. Think of it as prime time for wet weather.
3. By 8 p.m. (evening): The wild storms calm down, but some steady rain sticks around like a drippy faucet.
4. Midnight (12 a.m.): The rain stops completely and things dry up.

Important Callout: During those storms, we might see heavy rain, lots of lightning (bright flashes in the sky), and windy gusts. A few lonely strong storms could happen, but the weather team says we probably won’t see super bad storms everywhere (they call that widespread severe weather).

Also, it’s going to be hot and sticky (we call that humid) today. The thermometer will say low to mid 90s°F, but with the sticky air, it will feel like 100–105°F. That’s like standing near a hairdryer!

Another Saharan Dust Plume

Now, something cool but a bit yucky is coming: more Saharan dust. That’s a giant cloud of fine dirt that travels all the way from the Sahara Desert in Africa across the ocean to Florida.

This dust brings some changes:

• Good side: It makes our rain chances go down by the middle of the week (less rain!).
• Pretty side: It paints the sky with extra bright orange and pink sunrises and sunsets—like nature’s painting.
• Not‑so‑good side: The dust can make the air a little dirty, which might bug people who have trouble breathing (we call that respiratory illness) or are allergic to dust.

Important Callout: If you or your family have asthma or dust allergies, try to stay inside or wear a mask while the dust is here. This dust is planning to visit from this week through the end of the week, with some possibly lingering into the weekend. It’s not leaving quickly!

Here’s a picture showing the dust forecast:

Another Heatwave on the Way

Because the dust keeps the rain away, the sun gets more time to cook the ground. That means a heatwave (a period of extra hot days) is coming.

• Since there’s less rain and storms, temperatures will climb higher.
• By Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week, the afternoon high temperatures will be in the mid to upper 90s°F.
• Add the sticky humidity, and it will feel like 103–107°F! That’s super hot—like a pizza oven.

Important Callout: Drink water, stay in the shade, and never leave kids or pets in cars during this heat!

Summary

Let’s wrap it up simply:

• Today: Strong thunderstorms possible this afternoon, with rain starting around noon, peaking 2–7 p.m., ending by midnight. Hot, with feels‑like temps of 100–105°F.
• This week: Saharan dust arrives, making skies pretty but air itchy for some, and lowering rain chances by midweek.
• Wed–Fri: A heatwave brings mid/upper 90s temperatures, feeling like up to 107°F.
• All this info comes from the friendly weather experts at the FOX 35 Storm Team.

FAQ

1. What is a "severe thunderstorm warning"?
It’s an alert from weather experts saying a storm with dangerous wind or hail is happening or about to happen in your area. It means go inside and stay safe!

2. What is Saharan dust and why is it in Florida?
It’s tiny dirt particles from the Sahara Desert in Africa. Wind carries it across the Atlantic Ocean to places like Florida. It can make sunsets pretty but air quality worse.

3. Why does it "feel like" a higher temperature?
Because humidity (water in the air) stops your sweat from cooling you down. So a 95°F day with humidity can feel like 105°F.

4. Will there be storms everywhere today?
No. The FOX 35 team says a few strong storms are possible, but we don’t expect super bad storms across the whole area (widespread severe weather).

5. How long will the dust stay?
It should hang around through the end of the week and maybe into the weekend.