This week’s forecast of rains and downpours in Central Florida could put a stop to traditional Fourth of July events like firework displays and backyard barbecues, as forecasters anticipate a growing likelihood of rainy weather through Saturday.
Tens of millions of people are anticipated to travel by automobile or fly this holiday weekend, making it one of the busiest Independence Days in years, despite the gloomy sky. Since the holiday falls on a Friday, many employees can enjoy a long weekend.
Through Saturday, the Orlando area could expect up to three inches of rain overall, with more in some areas, according to Melbourne’s National Weather Service.
Although that might seem like a lot, Central Florida has already received three less inches of rain this month than it typically does for the month of June.
Up until Sunday, the Orlando region had only received 4.7 inches of rain, compared to the average of 7.78 inches for the month. According to NWS statistics, Orlando received 1.65 inches of rain on June 27, the wettest day.
We would have to catch up. Regarding the predicted rain, weather service meteorologist Tim Sedlock remarked.
Which days are the wettest? According to Sedlock, that may happen any time between Wednesday and Friday. Select a day. There is a 60% to 80% probability of rain.
“A front, or area of low pressure, is forming over the Southeastern United States and is expected to move over the Florida peninsula, causing the damp conditions,” Sedlock said.
Over the following seven days, the front has a 20% chance of progressively turning into a tropical or subtropical cyclone, according to the National Hurricane Center’s Monday forecast. It would be called Chantal if it become a tropical storm.
Nevertheless, this week’s skies over Central Florida will be occupied by more than simply rain clouds.
Officials noted in a press release that during the nine-day holiday travel season, which began Sunday, a record 1.43 million passengers—a 2% increase from the previous year—are anticipated to arrive and depart from Orlando International Airport.
Sunday is predicted to be the biggest day, with an estimated 175,000 passengers passing through the sizable airport. With a projected 140,400 travelers, Friday, Independence Day itself, is predicted to be the least crowded day.
With the largest passenger volume anticipated on Sunday, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents are ready to screen an estimated 18.5 million passengers at airport security checkpoints nationwide. Officials say Sunday’s volume could surpass the record of 3.1 million travelers screened by TSA on June 22.
In a recent press release, TSA acting administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill remarked, “We ask travelers to pack their patience.”
Officials at the Orlando airport advise travelers to allow enough time to pass security and reach the boarding gates.
Over 72 million people nationwide are expected to travel at least 50 miles by train, car, or airplane between June 28 and Sunday, according to AAA’s predictions. That’s seven million more than in 2019 and 1.7 million more than the previous year.
According to the organization, a record 61.6 million of those will drive, up 2.2% from the previous year. One explanation is that, despite a recent spike, summer gas costs are still close to their lowest point since 2021, according to AAA experts.
According to AAA, the national average was $3.19 a gallon as of Monday, while Orange County’s average was $2.86 per gallon.
There will be several locations to view fireworks this week for those who intend to remain in Orlando.
Cranes Roost Park will host the city of Altamonte Springs’ yearly Red Hot & Boom, one of Central Florida’s oldest fireworks displays, on Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m.
Orlando’s annual Fireworks at the Fountain will take place at Lake Eola Park on Friday starting at 9:10 p.m.
The community’s Town Center will host Celebration’s Star Spangled Spectacular on Friday at 9:20 p.m.
