Tropical moisture, scattered storms return to SWFL this weekend

Did anyone have a feeling today was the hottest day of the year in Fort Myers? If so, you’re correct! Page Field Airport broke the record for July 22nd, reaching 97°. The previous record of 96° was set back in 1936.

Part of the reason why we were so hot? Drier air at the upper levels of the atmosphere limited our rainfall potential with a ton of tropical moisture near the ground.

However, Friday will begin a gradual change as we head into the weekend. Humidity at all levels of our atmosphere will increase, allowing for scattered storms (primarily inland).

With limited storms near the coast, we do still expect above-average temperatures Friday with heat indices averaging around 107°.

Over the weekend, Southwest Florida will return to our typical summertime pattern with increasing clouds, muggy air, heavy rain and frequent lightning. Very July-like!

In the tropics, the Weather Authority continues to monitor a disturbance sitting over south Georgia. The disturbance is still expected to move into the western Atlantic late this week.

Regardless of formation, local impacts, if any, will be minimal. The next storm name on our 2021 list is Fred.