Extra Hot and Stormy This Week in Florida

Floridians are no strangers to sultry sunshine and afternoon showers. This week, however, the heat will be even more intense and thunderstorms even stronger than what is normal for June.

Early in the week, the heat index values (the “feels like” numbers) will rise to or above 100 degrees for hours on end in the afternoon, especially across inland areas of Central and North Florida. Later in the week, a more unsettled weather pattern will develop thanks to an unusually strong front (for this time of year) approaching from the north.

The heat was already apparent Monday afternoon.

Brutal "feels like" temps today around the state, especially in the panhandle and near/north of I-4. #flwx pic.twitter.com/lUZpO3DtYR

— Florida Storms (@FloridaStorms) June 13, 2016

Forecast data suggests that these numbers may be repeated in many areas Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Anyone who plans to spend a lot of time outdoors is urged to take caution by staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks.

The heat will be mitigated some later in the week by the more widespread nature of showers and thunderstorms. In addition to the typical sea breeze activity that develops each and every afternoon, stronger thunderstorms may organize along a front sliding in from Georgia Thursday and Friday afternoon. The front will likely slow down and keep elevated rain chances in place for much of the peninsula Friday and Saturday.  Depending on the timing of day and interactions from the sea breezes, some of the storms may become severe by the end of the week.

Drier and more stable air will arrive over the weekend generally north of the I-4 corridor. However, it may stay unsettled across South Florida through Sunday.