Heat index could reach 108 inland through Sunday
The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Heat Advisory for the region that includes Osceola County from 12-5 p.m. Friday (today), and will likely do so again through the weekend as a high pressure system will take hold over the western Atlantic and Florida and send temperatures soaring and cut down our usual afternoon rain chances.
It was already 85 degrees with a heat index of 98 at a Kissimmee Gateway Airport reporting station at 11 a.m. this morning. Highs are expected to reach 95 to 97 degrees through the weekend with higher heat indexes, accompanied by just a 20-30% rain chance. The evenings will offer little comfort, with not-so-lows of 77 or so.
"Hot and humid conditions plus low rain chances could lead to heat illness, especially in those over 65, under 5, and those working or outdoors for extended periods of time," the NWS advised. "Below-normal rain and storm chances are forecast today through Sunday due to high pressure and a drier air mass settling across the area ... Residents and visitors should plan to remain well-hydrated and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning if spending extended periods of time outdoors. This level of heat can impact most individuals, so be sure to take the proper safety measures to prevent heat-related illness.
The only saving grace is that by Monday -- the only real reason to look forward to Monday -- is that our "normal" summer pattern will return of highs in the low 90s and 40-50% afternoon rain chances.
So take this weather with a grain of salt -- and a big gulp of water or Gatorade Zero -- and hope November comes as quickly as July did.
