Record Heat Possible Wednesday with Slim Rain Chances

While a stray shower will be possible, most communities will stay dry Wednesday.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:23am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents in Southwest Florida are bracing for another day of record-breaking heat on Wednesday, with temperatures expected to reach the 90s. Despite the possibility of a stray shower, the region is forecast to remain mostly dry throughout the day. The high heat and humidity are expected to persist, making it an uncomfortable day for those heading out to spring training games or other outdoor activities.

Why it matters

The prolonged heatwave and lack of rainfall are concerning for the region, which is already experiencing an extreme drought. The high temperatures and dry conditions can have significant impacts on the local environment, agriculture, and the daily lives of residents.

The details

Forecasters are predicting that temperatures in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples could reach or even exceed the previous record highs for the day. The high heat and humidity are expected to make it feel even hotter, with little relief in sight. While a stray shower may be possible, especially in inland areas, the overall rain chances are slim, leaving the region largely dry.

  • Temperatures are expected to start in the 60s on Wednesday morning and quickly climb to the 80s and near 90 later in the day.
  • The high heat and humidity are expected to persist into the evening, with overnight lows only dropping to the mid to upper 60s, which is about 10 degrees above average.

The players

Southwest Florida

The region encompassing Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples, which is experiencing the record-breaking heat and drought conditions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Get set to sweat all over again today on this Wednesday. Not a lot of rain out there later on to help cool you back down. You are stuck with high heat and high humidity.”

— Samantha, Gulf Coast News Meteorologist (gulfcoastnewsnow.com)

What’s next

The forecast indicates that a cold front is expected to move into the region on Thursday, potentially bringing some isolated rain showers and storms later in the evening. However, the bulk of the higher rainfall coverage is not expected until the weekend, which may not be enough to make up for the existing rainfall deficit.

The takeaway

The prolonged heatwave and drought conditions in Southwest Florida are a significant concern, as they can have far-reaching impacts on the local environment, agriculture, and the daily lives of residents. While some relief may be on the way in the form of a cold front and increased rainfall over the weekend, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to address the region's ongoing water shortage issues.