Thursday features above-average heat ahead of scattered thunderstorms

High temperatures will level out in the low to mid-90s under increasing cloud cover. Dew points in the 70s will create a humid feel across the area, with “feels like” temperatures reaching the triple digits during peak heating. Boaters will experience fantastic water conditions. 1- to 2-foot wave heights and a light chop in our bays is forecast.

Scattered thunderstorms will bring rain chances to most of the WINK News viewing area. After a mostly dry start, isolated showers and storms will begin forming around lunchtime. These thunderstorms will grow in size and strength entering the evening. The strongest storms will be capable of gusty winds, lightning and isolated flooding. Rain chances will significantly drop after sunset.

There are two active disturbances The Weather Authority is tracking in the Atlantic. A stout tropical wave is emerging off the African coastline. It will have a low (20%) chance of formation by Tuesday, as it battles an increasing layer of Saharan dust.

Closer to home, a second disturbance will also have a low (20%) chance of becoming a named storm in three to five days as it enters the Caribbean Sea. While it currently appears disorganized, the Caribbean sports a favorable environment for development. Thankfully, neither of these systems would bring any immediate impacts to Southwest Florida.

Danielle would be the next name on our 2022 storm naming list.