Saharan dust changes today's forecast across Southwest Florida

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — WINK News Weather Authority meteorologists are tracking a hotter stretch of weather as more communities are under a heat advisory this Wednesday afternoon.

Wednesday

Wednesday is off to a mild start with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s. A plume of Saharan dust is moving in and will be limiting our rain coverage throughout the day. While a few storms (20% coverage) pop up in the afternoon and evening, most areas will be staying dry. Temperatures will be the bigger impact with highs in the mid to upper 90s and feeling more like 105 - 111°. Collier, Glades and Hendry counties are under a heat advisory until 6 PM.

Thursday

Starting mild and dry Thursday with temperatures in the upper 70s to lower 80s. A large plume of Saharan dust will be moving over Southwest Florida Thursday and this will continue to dry us out. Plan for a mainly dry day with only a few storms (20% coverage) developing throughout the afternoon. Temperatures will continue to be quite hot with highs in the mid to upper 90s. Some communities will once again be under a heat advisory as feels like temperatures range form 105 - 111°.

Friday

Friday starts dry with temperatures in the mid to upper 70s. While that large plume of Saharan dust will continue to move over Southwest Florida, more moisture will also be moving in and this will increase rain and storm coverage throughout the day. Plan for scattered storms (50% coverage) throughout the afternoon and evening. The hot and drier air mass will enhance some of those storms and a severe thunderstorm cannot be ruled out. Temperatures top out in the mid to upper 90s with "feels like" temperatures ranging from 104 - 110°. 

WINK News Weather Authority meteorologists are tracking the heat and the better storm chances Friday and Saturday. You can find the latest forecast on TV on WINK News and on the WINK Weather App.