Balmy Sunday to End with a Bang: Severe Storms Eye Orlando
Overview: A Day of Two Halves
Orlando residents should enjoy the warm morning hours while they last, as a significant weather shift is expected to sweep through Central Florida today, Sunday, February 15, 2026. While the day begins with comfortable, spring-like temperatures, a potent cold front moving across the peninsula is set to bring widespread rain and the potential for severe weather by this evening. Meteorologists are tracking a line of storms that could impact travel and outdoor plans across the metro area.
Morning: Mild and Humid
The day started with a mix of sun and clouds and a relatively high humidity level near 90%. Early morning temperatures hovered around 63°F, providing a pleasant environment for early risers. Throughout the morning, intervals of sunshine will persist, though cloud cover is expected to increase steadily as the atmosphere primes itself for the approaching front. Winds remain relatively calm early on but will begin to pick up from the south-southwest as the midday hour approaches.
Afternoon: Breezy Conditions and Initial Showers
By the afternoon, Orlando will see its high temperature reach approximately 82°F, significantly warmer than the seasonal average. However, this warmth comes with increasing instability. Winds will intensify, gusting between 15 and 25 mph from the south-southwest. Forecast models indicate that scattered showers are likely to develop after 1:00 PM, with the probability of precipitation rising sharply toward the late afternoon. If you have outdoor plans, the window for dry weather will likely close by 4:00 PM as the leading edge of the storm system arrives.
Evening Alert: Severe Weather Potential
The primary concern for today is the evening and overnight period. The National Weather Service has placed the region under a risk level 2 out of 5 for severe weather. A line of intense showers and thunderstorms is expected to move through the area, bringing a 90% to 100% chance of rain. Primary hazards include damaging wind gusts and frequent lightning. Weather experts cannot rule out the possibility of small hail or an isolated tornado as the front passes. Residents are advised to have a way to receive weather alerts throughout the night.
Forecast Summary
- High Temperature: 82°F (28°C)
- Low Temperature: 60°F (16°C)
- Wind: South-southwest at 15-25 mph, with higher gusts possible during storms.
- Rain Chance: 60% in the afternoon, increasing to 95% overnight.
- Precipitation: Expected rainfall between 0.5 and 1.5 inches.