Good evening, Central Florida. We’re wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

Despite lows dropping back into the low and mid 60s tonight – and even a few upper 50s for Marion county – the clear skies will allow ample sunshine Thursday and Friday to warm us back up into the low and mid 80s both afternoons.

Stay weather aware with alerts to your phone or tablet and check out the tropics by downloading the Spectrum News app.

Highs: Low to Mid-80s

Lows: Low to Mid-60s

Rain Coverage: 0%

Check your hour-by-hour forecast here | Share your weather photos

Tropical Update

Tropical Storm Melissa is moving slowly in the Caribbean.

Most models show Melissa meandering in the Caribbean Sea throughout the weekend, and eventually turning northeast toward the western Atlantic.

It’s unlikely that it directly impacts the U.S. thanks to some strong cold fronts pushing into the Southeast.

Get the latest information on the tropics

View more tropical weather graphics (Satellite, Tropical Fuel, Saharan Dust)

Today’s Big Stories

1. Magic’s head coach looking for team to take the next step — winning in NBA playoffs
The team comes into the season with high expectations as they prepare to tip off their opener tonight against the Miami Heat.

2. Seminole County leaders dispute Florida CFO’s claim of ‘so-called’ wasteful government spending
County Chairman Jay Zembower said he was shocked at the initial report.

3. Substitute arrested after being accused of touching himself in a classroom
Daniele Huerta, 27, was arrested after multiple students claimed they witnessed him perform lewd acts during their seventh grade class.

4. Volusia County approves 5 flood-mitigation projects
The county will coordinate with municipalities for the projects, which aim to strengthen drainage systems and protect neighborhoods.

5. Mount Dora votes to make changes to 3 downtown streets to address parking woes
Alexander, Baker and Tremain streets will become one-way streets, which adds some additional parking.

6. Extra I-4 lanes helping commute times through ChampionsGate
FDOT states the one additional lane in both directions has cut down travel times by up to 30 minutes.

7. Party leaders on both sides show no signs of backing down as shutdown enters 4th week
The shutdown has furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers and temporarily shuttered federal services.

Happening Around Town

SpaceX Launch
Tomorrow | Window opens at 9:30 p.m. | Falcon 9 will send up a Spanish communications satellite from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Pumpkin patches around Central Florida
Ongoing | Whether you are looking to pick the perfect pumpkin, meet farm animals or go on a hayride, there are plenty of locations to visit that offer a wide range of themed activities.

Chef’s Kitchen

In this week’s Chef’s Kitchen, we’re on the Space Coast to explore flavors of the unexpected — Northern Lebanese cuisine.