ORLANDO, Florida – The National Weather Service in Melbourne forecasts above normal heat continuing across East Central Florida today, with peak afternoon heat indices up to 106°F and a moderate risk for heat impacts. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected this afternoon, beginning in the interior before moving eastward toward the coast into the late afternoon and early evening. Some storms may be strong. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms chances are 30-50% this afternoon and evening. Highs will be in the low to mid 90s°F. Showers and storms will increase in coverage this afternoon as the sea breeze develops and moves inland. Storms may produce frequent lightning, strong to locally damaging winds (up to 55 mph), and locally heavy rainfall leading to minor flooding in poor drainage areas. Showers and storms will taper off through the evening. The main hazards during peak storm hours this afternoon include: Frequent lightning – When thunder roars, go indoors! Strong to locally damaging winds (up to 55 mph) Locally heavy downpours (isolated higher amounts possible) leading to minor flooding in poor drainage areas and ponding on roadways Exercise caution at Atlantic beaches. Swim near lifeguards and never enter the surf alone. Monitor local conditions for rip current risks. Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Muggy conditions will continue with heat indices reaching 100–106°F (locally higher) this afternoon. Official NWS Melbourne “Today’s Outlook” Graphic East Central Florida cities forecast today include: Orlando (high near 94°F, showers and thunderstorms possible this afternoon, ~40% chance) Daytona Beach (high near 93-95°F, scattered showers and storms, ~40-50% chance) Melbourne (high near 92-94°F, showers and thunderstorms possible this afternoon, ~30-40% chance) Vero Beach (high near 93°F, scattered showers and storms, ~30-50% chance) National Weather Service Melbourne Central Florida Radar Loop Orlando Weather Forecast Today (Thursday, July 16) Showers and thunderstorms possible this afternoon. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 94°F. Heat index values as high as 100–106°F. West-northwest wind around 5-10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30–50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and half an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Tonight A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms early this evening, then mostly clear. Low around 77°F. West wind around 5 mph. Friday (July 17) Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93°F. Heat index values as high as 102°F. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50–60%. Friday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance. Partly cloudy, with a low around 77°F. Saturday (July 18) Showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 92°F. Heat index values as high as 102°F. Chance of precipitation is 50–60%. Saturday Night A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76°F.