Tropical downpours soak Florida, fuel flash flood threat as weeklong storms persist
A Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat is now in place through Tuesday for South Florida, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
Surge of Caribbean moisture targets South Florida
South Florida is expected to see several inches of rain through Sunday. as tropical moisture from the Caribbean invades the region. The rain is helpful to ease the severe drought ongoing in most of the state, but flash flooding is also a risk with 2 to 3 inches forecast for some places.
FLORIDA - Flash flooding and heavy, persistent downpours will be a concern for Florida this week, helping to ease the severe drought that the Sunshine State has been in for most of the year.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, a robust mid-level low-pressure system is forecast to sit across Florida as it tracks beneath the massive heat dome anchored over the South.
WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU?
(FOX Weather)
As it approaches Florida, this low will become "cut off," separating from the jet stream, bringing lots of rain to the state.
Flash flooding will be the main concern with these downpours, and isolated thunderstorms that bring frequent lightning, gusty winds and reduced visibility are all possible.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 10: A rain squall passes over the skyline on April 10, 2023 in Miami, Florida.
(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)
This cutoff low will dissipate as a dip in the jet stream develops over the central Gulf.
Moisture from the Pacific and Caribbean will be funneled to the northeast as high pressure builds over Mexico and the western Caribbean.
HOW HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE DRIVE THE WEATHER
According to the FOX Forecast Center, this will create an abundance of moisture from the Caribbean into southern Florida, increasing the coverage of tropical downpours and storms.
(FOX Weather)
This surge of moisture is expected to peak around mid-to-late week, with cities such as Fort Myers, Miami and West Palm Beach likely seeing the highest rain totals.
Through Friday, widespread rain totals from 3 to 5 inches are forecast from Sarasota to Melbourne and south, with 5 to 8 inches or more possible farther south from Naples to Miami.
(FOX Weather)
All of this moisture, plus the saturated ground, will make flash flooding possible. A Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat is now in place through Thursday morning for mainly South Florida, including Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
"With increasing moisture and already saturated soils, flash flooding will remain a threat," said the FOX Forecast Center.
The wet and nasty weather will show no signs of slowing down through the weekend, producing strong thunderstorms.
A large portion of the Sunshine State has been under significant drought since the early portion of the year.