ORLANDO, FLa. – Scattered showers and thunderstorms remain possible through the rest of Sunday, with rain chances around 30–50%. A few storms could become strong, bringing gusty winds up to 40–45 mph, small hail, frequent lightning, and brief heavy downpours. Some activity may drift back toward the coast this evening before gradually weakening overnight. Low temperatures will fall into the 60s and lower 70s.
By Monday morning, conditions begin to shift as a strong cold front approaches. Rain chances increase significantly to around 60–70%, especially during the afternoon as the sea breeze interacts with the front, triggering scattered to numerous showers and storms.
Heavy rain expected to become widespread after 2 p.m.
Some storms may again become strong, producing heavy rain, gusty winds, lightning, and small hail. There is also a marginal risk for isolated flooding, particularly in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
The front will move into Central Florida and is expected to stall across the region through midweek, keeping rain chances elevated into Thursday.
Multiple rounds of heavy rain are possible, models are showing with forecast totals generally ranging from 2–4 inches along the coast, locally up to 5–7 inches possible, and about 1–3 inches inland with isolated higher amounts.
The heaviest rainfall is expected during the overnight hours, and while this will help ease drought conditions, excessive rainfall in a short time could lead to localized flooding, especially where heavier bands persist.
In addition, strong onshore winds will create hazardous coastal conditions, including rough surf and a high risk of dangerous rip currents lasting into Thursday or Friday.
Temperatures will trend cooler behind the front, with daytime highs mainly in the 70s for several days. Overall, the unsettled pattern is expected to continue, with periods of rain and storms through much of the week.