The Brief

Fire weather warnings are in effect for much of Central Florida on Wednesday due to strong winds and very low humidity.

Conditions are expected to significantly increase wildfire risk as drought continues across the region.

Rain chances remain limited, with mostly dry and warmer weather returning into the weekend.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Fire weather warnings will be in effect across much of Central Florida on Tuesday.

Northeast winds and very dry air combine to create an elevated wildfire threat.

Orlando forecast for Tuesday

What To Expect

Forecasters say winds overnight will remain gusty at 10 to 20 mph or higher, while lower humidity and drier air continue to filter in from the north.

The dry pattern is expected to intensify fire danger during the day Tuesday with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP

Fire weather warnings are issued when sustained winds reach 20 mph or more and relative humidity drops to around 30% or lower, conditions that allow wildfires to spread quickly, especially in areas experiencing drought.

Officials are urging residents to avoid any outdoor burning, properly dispose of cigarettes, and avoid driving over dry vegetation that could spark a fire.

Looking Ahead

Skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy Wednesday, with the possibility of a brief light shower. However, rainfall is expected to remain limited across the region.

SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35’S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS

Conditions are expected to improve slightly by Thursday, with mostly sunny skies returning through the weekend and temperatures climbing back into the upper 80s. Highs near or above 90 degrees are possible again early next week.

Increased fire risk dangers

Tuesday brings an increased risk of fire and weather danger.  This is due to gusty winds, low humidity levels, and ongoing drought conditions for the state as a whole.

It’s important to limit any outdoor burning and dispose of things like cigarette butts properly. Even a small fire can quickly become out of control and difficult to contain under these conditions.

The rest of this week features warming temperatures and mostly dry conditions.

Temperatures will warm into the mid 80s by Friday with the chance of highs near 90 degrees by the end of the weekend.

Drought conditions persist

Despite isolated afternoon shower chances this weekend, most areas will remain dry, and drought conditions are expected to persist and potentially worsen in the coming weeks.

In terms of rainfall, no major or notable rain is in sight anytime soon.

Friday into the weekend, there is a 20% chance daily during the afternoon of a pop-up shower or thunderstorm, but coverage will be very limited and the overwhelming majority of folks will remain totally dry.

The Source

This story was written with information from the FOX 35 Storm Team.