Central Florida Braces for Rain and Storms This Weekend

ORLANDO, Fla. – Central Florida is set for an active weekend with elevated chances for rain and thunderstorms. Meteorologist Laurel Blanchard reports that moisture lingering from Tropical Storm Imelda, combined with strong easterly winds, will contribute to the wet conditions.

Scattered showers and heavy downpours along the coast are expected to continue into the evening. This onshore flow has increased rain chances significantly, and the pattern will persist through the weekend. Breezy conditions may also occur during showers, with temperatures dropping to the mid to upper 70s overnight.

Daytime temperatures will be slightly cooler than average, reaching the mid-to-upper 80s, with overnight lows in the mid-to-upper 70s. As daytime heating decreases, so will the threat of showers overnight, leaving mostly cloudy skies.

A stalled front from Imelda, located south of the area, will start to shift northward. This, along with continued moisture, will likely lead to widespread showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall could accumulate to several inches, particularly near the beaches. Afternoon temperatures will remain in the mid-to-upper 80s under cloudy skies.

As the workweek begins, the stalled front will ensure high rain chances on Monday due to stronger easterly winds and atmospheric energy. Coastal flooding is possible in low-lying areas, and Coastal Flood Warnings and Advisories are in effect through early Wednesday morning.

Looking ahead, rain chances are anticipated to gradually decrease midweek as drier air moves into Central Florida, although afternoon showers and storms may still occur. Temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 80s by the end of the week, ahead of a cold front forecasted for next weekend.

A tropical wave in the Eastern Atlantic is being monitored, showing a 50% chance of development in the coming week. Conditions may allow for a tropical depression to form early in the week, with some models suggesting the potential for Tropical Storm Jerry.

Weather updates will continue as the FOX 35 Storm Team keeps a close eye on these systems.