Florida faces weeklong washout as rounds of heavy rain, thunderstorms linger through weekend
Tropical downpours will drench portions of Florida all week long, starting Wednesday, as a massive high-pressure heat dome anchored over the Eastern U.S. fuels gusty winds and thunderstorms.
Persistent thunderstorms and rain to drench Florida this week
🌧️ SOUTHERN STORMS: Heavy rain and thunderstorms begin to target the Sunshine State, with precipitation totals reaching 1 to 2 inches per hour starting Wednesday. #Florida #Rain #Thunderstorm #FOXWeather
FLORIDA – Florida is bracing for another round of storms after a soggy weekend triggered numerous flood alerts, including in areas that had been unusually dry.
Tropical downpours will drench portions of Florida all week long, through Wednesday, as a massive high pressure heat dome anchored over the eastern U.S. fuels gusty winds and thunderstorms.
WHAT IS A HEAT DOME AND HOW CAN IT AFFECT YOU DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS?
The FOX Forecast Center expects repeated rounds of slow-moving rain showers and thunderstorms, producing precipitation totals of over 1 to 2 inches per hour and fueling a daily flood threat.
By Thursday, the severe storm pattern will intensify as a mid-level low pressure system is forecast to move out of the Atlantic, across the Florida peninsula and into the Gulf of America.
This graphic shows rain still to come through the weekend in Florida. (FOX Weather)
"As the low tracks across Florida from Thursday into Friday, it is expected to become cut off," the FOX Forecast Center said. "Crucially, this disturbance originates as a cold-core low rather than a warm-core system, which is a distinction that matters for any potential tropical development."
This system will likely stop and hover over the Gulf.
The FOX Forecast Center said that when a cutoff low gets stuck over the Gulf for a few days, it can trigger widespread showers and thunderstorms.
Cars drive through floodwater after Miami deluge
Heavy rain flooded streets in South Beach, Miami, on Wednesday. The footage shows cars driving through floodwater in South Beach near the MacArthur Causeway.
As this rain activity continues around a non-tropical system, surface pressures will begin to fall, setting off a chain reaction of severe storm activity.
The nasty weather will continue through the weekend, ruining chances to spend time outdoors for millions across the state.
FLORIDA COUPLE INJURED AFTER BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING WHILE OUT ON A WALK
This comes as the wet weather and thunderstorms have already begun today across popular areas such as Naples, Fort Myers, Miami, Boca Raton and Tampa.
This graphic shows rain still to come in Southwest Florida through Sunday. (FOX Weather)
The main impacts this week will be gusty winds, heavy rain, thunderstorms, and frequent lightning. Fort Myers could be the hardest hit location.
HOW HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE DRIVE THE WEATHER
Some areas in Florida could see about 3 to 5 inches of rain by the end of the weekend.
Stay with FOX Weather for the latest forecast.