Orlando weather: Warm temps, high humidity, torrential downpours due to distant Hurricane Rafael

ORLANDO, Fla. - Expect tropical-level humidity, nearing record highs for November, along with gusty winds and passing downpours.

Thursday will be partly sunny with a mix of clouds, breezy conditions, and isolated showers.

LOOKING AHEAD: Brighter skies and plenty of sunshine, with temperatures remaining well above average. This will rank as one of the top-three warmest starts to November on record for Central Florida, with highs in the mid-80s.

Tracking the Tropics

We can expect high humidity and torrential downpours here in Central Florida as Hurricane Rafael churns in the Caribbean. Although Rafael is set to miss Florida by over 350 miles, its moisture will not. That tropical air will help enhance our rain intensity. 

Rafael is expected to cross Cuba tonight and re-enter the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, shifting further west. The storm is forecast to make a sharp westward turn in the southern Gulf, where it could restrengthen to a Category 3 or even Category 4 hurricane. Current projections suggest it will not head toward Mexico or southern Texas.

The next two weeks remain active, with additional tropical development possible. Another tropical wave could cross into the Caribbean next week, followed by a potential wave the week after. The next storm names on the list are "Sara" and "Tony."

Early predictions for a highly active season are proving accurate.