Meteorologist: Oceana Hayden
•7/5/2026
THE WEATHER AUTHORITY, (WINK) - After a stormy start to the day, conditions have improved across much of Southwest Florida this afternoon. Coastal communities experienced frequent lightning and heavy downpours during the morning hours, but that activity has since improved, with a lull in activity until the evening. Scattered storms develop primarily inland later on, leaving the coast drier.
Temperatures are climbing into the low 90s, with heat indices reaching the triple digits. If you're spending time outdoors before storms redevelop, be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Winds will remain light, offering little relief from the heat.
Our next round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to develop inland beginning around 4 p.m. As the Gulf and Atlantic sea breezes collide, storm coverage will increase through the late afternoon and early evening, with the highest chances focused along and east of the I-75 corridor. Some storms could produce frequent lightning, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds.
Monday will feature a very similar weather pattern. Morning showers and storms are expected to develop near the coast before shifting inland during the afternoon. Scattered thunderstorms will once again be most numerous along and east of I-75, following our typical summertime pattern.
High temperatures will remain near seasonal averages in the low 90s.
A larger plume of Saharan dust is expected to arrive by Wednesday, increasing dry air aloft and helping to suppress thunderstorm development. As a result, rain chances are expected to decrease through the second half of the workweek, dropping to around 30%.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, and remember to keep an eye on the radar if you have outdoor plans later this afternoon or evening.
