Central Florida Forecast: Prepare for a Rainy Weekend!
ORLANDO, Fla. – The weekend forecast for Central Florida is not looking favorable for outdoor activities, as a significant change in weather is expected. Friday is anticipated to be the final day of pleasant conditions, with mostly dry weather and temperatures reaching the upper 70s under mostly cloudy skies.
According to models, a stream of moisture will start moving into Central Florida on Saturday, accompanied by the subtropical jet stream, which will bring even more substantial amounts of rain throughout Sunday. This combination of weather systems raises the likelihood of rain to 70-80% for the entire weekend.
On Saturday, a weakening cold front will stall across the peninsula, while an area of low pressure is predicted to develop in the Gulf of Mexico. This low-pressure system will then shift eastward along the boundary and pass over Florida on Sunday. These weather patterns will result in heavy rainfall, with a forecast of 1-3 inches of rain and the potential for locally higher amounts exceeding 4 inches. Consequently, localized flooding may occur in areas that experience repeated rounds of heavy rain. Additionally, northerly winds are expected to strengthen, with gusts reaching 25-35 mph on Sunday.
The continuous rain throughout the weekend will likely impact planned outdoor events, including the highly anticipated Daytona 500. Over the past decade, the Daytona 500 has faced rain delays on three occasions, with the 2020 race being rescheduled to Monday due to inclement weather.
As for temperatures, Saturday will see highs near 70 degrees, while Sunday will be even cooler, with temperatures struggling to reach the low 60s in the afternoon. However, drier air will return to the region by Presidents’ Day, although temperatures will remain below average for the majority of the following week.
In conclusion, Central Florida residents and visitors should prepare for a wet and blustery weekend, with heavy rainfall posing a risk of localized flooding. It is advisable to stay up to date with weather forecasts and make necessary adjustments to outdoor plans.
