Orlando weather: Central Florida faces feels-like temps of up to 115°

ORLANDO, Fla. - On Friday, the heat continues across Central Florida, with heat index levels approaching 110°-115°. This means heat exhaustion and heat strokes are much more likely than on a typical summer Florida day. 

"We have now had 44 days so far in 2024, with temperatures of 95 degrees or hotter in Orlando, which is the most on record at MCO through this date," said FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Noah Bergren. "The year 1981 ranks No. 2 at 40 such days. Depending on how the rest of August goes, it could end up in the top five hottest summers on record in Central Florida."

We have little chance for rain today, with only a 20% chance for a passing downpour. Rain chances in the region will go up this weekend as we look ahead to the first day of school Monday in what will be a more seasonable weather setup, though typically hot and humid.

Tracking the Tropics

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three potential tropical waves that could develop into significant storms. 

The first of these systems is likely to become Tropical Storm Ernesto, with the possibility of strengthening into a hurricane. While the storm's track remains uncertain, the entire East Coast is advised to stay vigilant. It's too early to predict whether the storm will impact any specific state or veer out to sea.

The second wave also has development potential, but it's moving into an environment that may be less favorable for strengthening.

The third wave, however, is raising more concern for the U.S. mainland. As we approach the end of August and Labor Day, the Atlantic high-pressure system is expected to shift further west, which could significantly reduce the chances of storms curving out to sea. While the possibility of a recurve isn’t entirely off the table, the risk of a mainland impact increases.