Florida storms give way to temperature nosedive

Monday's stormy weather leads to a 10 to 20 degree cool down for Tuesday.

TAMPA, Fla. Strong to potentially severe thunderstorms are tracking across Florida on Monday ahead of an incoming cold front that will drop temperatures across the Sunshine State.

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a Level 1 out of 5 risk of severe weather on Monday from St. Petersburg to Tampa and Orlando to Port St. Lucie. The primary concerns on Monday will be large hail and damaging wind gusts near 60 mph.

The same system that brought heavy rain to Texas and the rest of the Gulf Coast states over St. Patrick's Day weekend continues its journey east on Monday. Strong thunderstorms began moving off the Gulf of Mexico into North and Central Florida on Monday morning, bringing heavy rain, gusty winds and possible hail to Tampa and St. Petersburg. 

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According to the National Weather Service in Melbourne, gusty winds between 45 and 55 mph, with a chance of 60-mph gusts, are possible for east-central Florida. Downpours, quarter-sized hail and frequent lightning are expected to continue into the evening hours. 

Cooler temperatures by Tuesday with more rain incoming

Florida will wake up to a refreshing break from the recent heat by Tuesday morning. Cool, dry air will drop temperatures into the upper 60s and lower 70s for Tampa and Orlando. 

Spring breakers in Miami Beach have experienced highs near 90 degrees this week. By Tuesday, a high of 74 will be a welcome change.

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In Tampa, overnight temperatures will flirt with the 40s after a high of 81. Tuesday takes a nosedive for a high of 71.

Later this week, the FOX Forecast Center is tracking the stormy weather to return to Florida as a strengthening low-pressure system moves into the Gulf of Mexico. At this point, the primary impact will be heavy rain, likely beginning Friday. The FOX Forecast Center will have more details later this week as the forecast comes together.