Scattered storms, heat indices 100°+ return to Southwest Florida

Happy Thursday, Southwest Florida! We have returned to our normal pattern of scattered showers and storms.

Pockets of heavy rain and frequent lightning will continue, mainly inland, until sunset. After that, we gradually dry out before more rain is expected tomorrow afternoon.

Remember to stay hydrated! Mother Nature is cranking up the heat tomorrow. Highs will near 93° with heat indices between 101 – 109°.

In the tropics, we have no areas of interest to monitor other than Elsa moving away from us. The storm will batter portions of the Mid-Atlantic and New England states tomorrow and Saturday.

In the wake of Elsa, Colorado State University hurricane researchers increased their forecast for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. They now expect 20 named storms and nine hurricanes, with four of them becoming major (Category 3 or higher).

There are three big reasons for this: water temperatures near or slightly higher-than-average, a neutral or weak La Niña, which promotes lower wind shear, and an active West African monsoon. This typically leads to stronger tropical waves moving off the African coast.

It’s important to remember that even if we do see more storms, that doesn’t mean Southwest Florida will be impacted. It only takes one to make a bad season! Fingers crossed that Elsa is the only one we experience.

Regardless, the Weather Authority will be with you every step of the way. Hurricane season ends November 30th.