Rain falls across Central Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. – It will be warm and rainy in Central Florida on Tuesday, but big changes are on the way.

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"We are pinpointing a front to our north, as well as lots of energy and moisture working in with an area of low pressure in the Gulf of Mexico," News 6 meteorologist Troy Bridges said. "All of these factors, as well as the south-southwest wind, will help to work in plenty of warm air ahead of the system to fire up some storms."

The coverage of rain will be off and on throughout the day on Tuesday at 60 percent, Bridges said.

"Some storms could be strong to severe through the afternoon," Bridges said. "Coverage continues into 6 o'clock, with the main threat being strong wind gusts and lightning."

A tornado watch is in effect for the Florida Panhandle and southern Georgia.

"This means conditions are favorable for rotating storms that could lead to tornadoes," Bridges said. "This is north of our area, but we cannot rule out the threat of lightning and strong wind gusts up to 60 mph in Central Florida."

The high in Orlando will reach 83 degrees, well above the average of 75 for this time of year.

Wednesday will be dry, with a high of 77.

"Expect another round of rain Thursday, but there will only be a 30 percent chance and a high of 73," Bridges said.

After the front moves through, cooler temperatures will hit the region.

"We only warm to 62 by Friday afternoon, with morning lows in the 40s through the weekend," Bridges said. "Even Saturday, we can only expect a high of 68, but we will be drying through the weekend."

Watch News 6 for more on this story.