A cold front moving through the region on Friday evening is expected to bring an increase in brief showers and thunderstorms, with some stronger cells possibly producing small hail and gusty winds. Rain and thunderstorms are forecasted to persist into Saturday as cooler, drier air takes hold, resulting in high temperatures hovering in the 70s and nighttime lows dipping into the 50s by Saturday night.
As the evening unfolds, the atmospheric conditions, which include increased instability, are likely to lead to an uptick in the coverage of showers and storms. Overnight, numerous showers and storms will move southeast, with temperatures settling in the lower to middle 60s due to the clouds and moisture.
Saturday is expected to begin with mostly cloudy conditions and scattered showers moving from west to east. The cold front will continue to influence the area, maintaining the potential for hit-or-miss showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. The Orlando metro area has a 60% chance of rain, meaning that while some areas might experience brief heavy downpours, others may see little to no rainfall at all. Rainfall totals could vary significantly across the region, with areas south of Interstate 4 predicted to receive the most moisture, potentially reaching up to 2 inches in localized spots.
Following the unsettled weekend, high pressure is anticipated to build in on Sunday, ushering in drier weather and abundant sunshine. Temperatures are expected to rise into the upper 70s, providing a pleasant end to the weekend and creating ideal conditions as the workweek begins. Looking ahead, temperatures will continue to warm, reaching the low 80s on Monday and Tuesday, which is 5 to 10 degrees above the seasonal average. While most of the week appears dry, there is a chance of stray coastal showers due to onshore flow from the Atlantic.
Despite the impending rain, Florida is currently facing severe drought conditions, with 100% of the state experiencing some level of drought. While this rain will provide temporary relief, it is unlikely to significantly alleviate the ongoing drought plight. Furthermore, as storms pass through, there is a risk of cloud-to-ground lightning, which could ignite new wildfires, a pressing concern as more than 650 wildfires have already been reported statewide this year.
Overall, while the upcoming rain may not completely resolve drought issues, the forecast offers a blend of much-needed moisture, followed by sunnier weather that could lead to a more favorable climate as the week progresses.