Central Florida experienced a mostly dry start on May 16, 2026, before afternoon temperatures began climbing toward the low 90s, triggering scattered showers and storms further inland.
Meteorologist Victoria Wisniewski reported that the regional weather pattern brings consistent shower and storm chances later in the afternoon and evening, which will help alleviate ongoing drought conditions across the area.
The Orlando metropolitan area expects temperatures in the low 90s from Thursday into Friday, while coastal locations and Orlando hover in the upper 80s, with inland areas like Wildwood reaching up to 93 degrees.
Atmospheric developments show high pressure positioned further north and east, generating an easterly onshore flow that increases the risk of dangerous rip currents along the coastline.
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Weather officials advise residents to exercise caution and potentially avoid entering the water at local beaches, noting that the heightened rip current risk is expected to persist through the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
Futurecast data indicates that cloud coverage will build from the south and west after 2 p.m., with scattered storms populating west of Orlando near the 5:00 p.m. hour before dissipating around midnight.
