217 FXUS62 KMLB 051850 AFDMLB Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Melbourne FL 250 PM EDT Sat Jul 5 2025 ...New KEY MESSAGES, DISCUSSION, MARINE... .KEY MESSAGES... Issued at 208 PM EDT Sat Jul 5 2025 - Numerous showers and storms are forecast this weekend. Today, frequent lightning and localized flooding are the primary hazards. The threat for gusty winds of 40-50 mph increases on Sunday. - High pressure is expected to take hold next week, but seasonably ample moisture should continue to spawn scattered storms. - As temperatures warm back to the lower 90s, tropical humidity will make for oppressive peak heat indices of 100 to 105 degrees most afternoons. && .DISCUSSION... Issued at 208 PM EDT Sat Jul 5 2025 Rest of Today-Tonight...A lingering WSW-ENE boundary near the Orlando area associated with Tropical Storm Chantal generated a few showers this morning along the I-4 corridor. This feature has begun generating additional showers and storms early this afternoon and is forecast to be focal point of convection through the day by mesoscale models, along with the east coast sea breeze. High coverage of showers and storms expected through the remainder of the afternoon and into the evening hours across the forecast area. PoPs 70-80%, with the highest coverage along the aforementioned boundary. The main storm threat today will be locally heavy rainfall. Totals of 2-3+" will be possible, especially near to just south of the weak boundary, fueled by ample available moisture. Frequent lightning strikes and gusty winds to 45 mph will also be possible in the strongest storms. Peak convective timing is forecast between 4-8 pm today. However, a few storms will remain possible into the evening hours, especially for coastal areas from Melbourne southward. Drier conditions are expected by late evening, which will then continue through the overnight hours. Tonight, low temperatures in the lower to mid-70s are forecast. Sunday-Monday...Tropical Storm Chantal is forecast to move onshore along the Carolina Sunday morning, before dissipating over that area into Monday. Meanwhile, the Atlantic ridge axis will build slowly northward through the Straits of Florida through the period, reaching the Lake Okeechobee region Monday night. With the ridge axis remaining south of the area, southwesterly flow will prevail, limiting the inland progression of or even pinning the east coast sea breeze. Therefore, the eastern half of the peninsula will be favored for afternoon and evening showers and storms. PoPs 60-70% continue for Sunday, though slightly drier air Monday is expected to keep PoPs nearer to normal (30-50%). A few gusts up to around 50 mph will be possible, as DCAPE and boundary layer flow increase compared to previous days. Storm motions look to remain fairly limited, with locally heavy rainfall remaining a possibility. High temperatures in the lower 90s and humid conditions will combine to produce peak heat indices 100-105 degrees. Use caution if spending time outside, stay well hydrated, and take adequate breaks in the shade or A/C. Tuesday-Saturday...The Atlantic ridge axis settles in over the central Florida peninsula, where it will remain through at least the end of the work week. Whether this feature resides over or just south of the forecast area will dictate the location of the sea breeze collision each day. However, it does appear the central and eastern portions of the peninsula would be favored, at this time. Should the ridge axis drift southward, higher coverage of showers and storms would be expected. Typical early July moisture is also forecast, with PWATs 1.7-2". Thus, have maintained a climatological normal PoP of 50-60% each afternoon. High temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 80s to lower 90s. && .MARINE... Issued at 208 PM EDT Sat Jul 5 2025 Tropical Storm Chantal remains northeast of the local Atlantic waters this afternoon and is forecast to move onshore along the Carolina coast Sunday morning. Limited impacts to the east central Florida waters are expected from this system, mainly in an increase in seas up to 5 feet well offshore. In addition, a stalled boundary near Cape Canaveral is producing north- northwesterly winds to the north of the boundary, while south to southwesterly winds prevail elsewhere, though these winds have been limited to 10-15 kts. However, small craft should exercise caution this evening across the offshore Treasure Coast waters, as southwest winds briefly increase to 15-20 kts before diminishing again overnight. High pressure is forecast to build into the area early next week, improving boating conditions. South to southwest winds prevail, remaining around 15 kts or less. This will lead to an increase in offshore-moving showers and storms, though coverage is forecast to become near-normal, as opposed to the above normal coverage of the last several days. Seas 2-4ft through Sunday diminish to 1-2 ft early in the week. && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFs) Issued at 158 PM EDT Sat Jul 5 2025 MVFR cloud bases observed across the area this morning have mostly lifted above VFR this afternoon. High coverage of showers and storms is forecast across east central Florida again today. TEMPOs remain across the Orlando area terminals from 20/23Z when peak TSRA impacts are forecast to occur. A weak sea breeze is developing from Brevard county southward and have included TEMPOs from 18/21Z at TIX/MLB/VRB/FPR for convection near and along the sea breeze. Coverage of showers and storms gradually diminishes after sunset, drying across much of the area near or before 03Z. Winds may become variable at times with the presence of many mesoscale boundaries, but prevailing winds are expected to remain 10 kts or less. Will monitor trends for low CIGs across the interior again tonight, but the current TAF remains VFR. && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... DAB 74 90 74 91 / 30 60 10 40 MCO 74 90 75 92 / 50 70 10 50 MLB 74 90 75 91 / 50 60 20 40 VRB 72 92 71 91 / 30 60 20 30 LEE 75 89 76 91 / 50 70 10 50 SFB 74 91 76 93 / 40 70 10 50 ORL 75 90 76 92 / 50 70 10 50 FPR 72 91 71 91 / 30 60 20 30 && .MLB WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... FL...None. AM...None. && $$ DISCUSSION...Leahy AVIATION...Law