Strong thunderstorms bring downpours, lightning & damaging winds to the area

ORLANDO, Fla. — Update:

It’s another day of extreme heat -- much hotter than normal, even for summer in Florida.

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On top of the triple digit heat index and the heat advisory, scattered storms have developed.

With them, a few torrential downpours and pockets of dangerous lightning will develop.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Orange and Osceola counties that lasted until 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Read: Tuesday set global record for hottest day ever

Certified meteorologist George Waldenberger said a severe storm capable of producing damaging winds is currently over Kissimmee and is nearly stationary.

“Stay inside as (the) storm eventually pulses back down,” he said.

There’s even a risk for some isolated wind damage with any strong storms through 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Read: Woman killed by alligator while walking dog in South Carolina

Expect more heat and more scattered afternoon storms Thursday and daily throughout the weekend.

Watch live updates on this afternoon’s forecast on Channel 9 Eyewitness News.

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Earlier story:

Overnight Forecast: Tuesday, July 4, 2023 Overnight Forecast: Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Wednesday’s weather in Central Florida could look like a repeat of Tuesday.

Meteorologist Brian Shields said it will again be very hot, with a high temperature of 95 degrees.

READ: Deputies step up enforcement at Volusia County beaches

But it will feel much hotter; today’s heat index will reach 110 in spots.

A Heat Advisory will be back in effect for parts of our viewing area.

Scattered storms will return in the afternoon.

Shields said to expect a 50% chance of rain.

READ: Drones could help change the way Hurricane Hunters monitor storms

And while rain chances will increase tomorrow and Friday, Shields noted that the tropics remain quiet.

Follow our Severe Weather team on Twitter for live updates:

• Chief meteorologist Tom Terry
• Kassandra Crimi
• George Waldenberger
• Brian Shields

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