ORLANDO, Fla. – Residents in Central Florida experienced cooler air Friday morning, with sunrise temperatures running 5 to 10 degrees lower than the previous day. Afternoon highs are expected to reach the 80s.
Before a major cooldown arrives next week, the region will see a warmer and slightly more humid weekend. Highs will be in the low to mid-80s through Sunday under mostly sunny skies. Breezy northeast winds of 10 to 15 mph are anticipated, with coastal gusts potentially reaching 20 to 25 mph. Beachgoers should be aware that the risk for rip currents will remain high through Sunday night. While the weekend is forecast to be mostly dry, there is a 20% chance of isolated showers early Sunday, primarily south and east of the I-4 corridor.
A significant shift in weather is on the horizon, as a strong cold front is set to move into the area starting next Thursday. This system is expected to bring the coolest temperatures of the season. By Halloween morning, lows are forecast to drop into the 40s and 50s. Daytime highs next Friday will likely only reach the 70s.
Meanwhile, in the tropics, Tropical Storm Melissa is being monitored in the Caribbean. As of 5 a.m. Friday, the storm was stationary with sustained winds of 45 mph. Forecasters expect Melissa to slowly intensify, potentially reaching hurricane status with 75 mph winds by Saturday afternoon. The storm could strengthen into a Category 4 hurricane over warm waters as early as Monday, with winds possibly reaching 145 mph. Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba are most likely to be impacted by heavy rain and intense winds.
