Daily Storms, Rip Currents And Lightning Possible: FL Weather Forecast

FLORIDA — The Sunshine State is expected to not be so sunny this week with rounds of storms predicted to drench Florida, according to weather forecasters.

As Florida enters its summer rainy season, the National Weather Service forecasts daily showers and thunderstorms, starting after 4 p.m. Monday in the Tampa Bay area.

The chances for storms are expected to linger between 30 percent and 60 percent throughout the week.

Meanwhile, a hazardous weather outlook for the Orlando area says towns stretching from Flagler Beach to the Brevard Barrier Islands could be impacted by fire weather, rip currents and thunderstorms.

"Isolated to scattered showers and isolated lightning storms are forecast this afternoon, mainly over the western interior and the Treasure Coast. The main hazards associated with lightning storms that develop this afternoon and primarily move west-southwest will be occasional cloud-to-ground lightning strikes and gusty winds," the weather service said in its outlook.

As dangerous rip currents could arrive, the weather service advises beachgoers do not swim alone and swim near a lifeguard.

In east central Florida, the weather service said sensitive fire conditions could prompt a moderate drought in the area. Brush fires could quickly spread behind a sea breeze.

All central Florida Atlantic beaches could be moderately subject to life-threatening rip currents Tuesday-Sunday, the weather service said.

"Isolated to scattered lightning storms are forecast each afternoon and early evening. Coverage on most days should be below normal so many areas will not see rain on most days. Shower and storm chances increase late week. Hot temperatures and increasing humidity will produce peak heat indices of 100-106 Thursday, in addition to, 100-108 on Friday and Saturday. A moderate to major heat risk is outlooked over much of central Florida. This level of heat can affect anyone without adequate cooling and hydration," the weather service said.

The Miami and South Florida area is not exempt from the predicted storms.

Frequent lightning, gusty winds and heavy rain are potential hazards with possibly scattered thunderstorms Monday afternoon into the evening.

Beaches in Palm Beach County are at a high risk for rip currents, according to the forecast. The rest of the Atlantic beaches are at a moderate risk.

Additionally, southwest Florida could experience 100-degree temperatures Monday.

As for the remainder of the week in South Florida, Palm Beach could remain at an elevated rip current risk while heat indices could increase and reach near advisory criteria, the weather service said.

Areas near Jacksonville and Lakeland are set to follow the weather patterns of the rest of Florida, according to the forecast.

The weather service on Monday encouraged residents to practice lightning safety. Weather officials said lightning is capable of striking from up to 10 feet away from a subject.

During recent lightning strikes, weather officials said people were participating in the following activities: gardening, grilling, golfing, boating, running, walking, construction, riding and swimming.

"When thunder roars, go indoors. See a flash, dash inside," the weather service said on X, formerly Twitter.

The news of strong weather in Florida come as AccuWeather forecasters predict storms stretching from the Plains to the Great Lakes to the South, most significantly on Wednesday.

" ... drenching thunderstorms could spoil outdoor plans across the southern and central Appalachians and in many major metropolitan areas from Charlotte, North Carolina, to Roanoke, Virginia, northward to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania," AccuWeather said.

The rainfall is expected to then pass through areas further east such as New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

The weather service said parts of the northern Rockies were at a slight risk of at least 15 percent for excessive rainfall that could lead to flash flooding. The Cascades, Olympics and Seattle metro areas were at a marginal risk of at least 5 percent.

Showers and thunderstorms could travel over portions of the Great Plains and the Mississippi Valley, with severe thunderstorms that could generate heavy to excessive rainfall over parts of the Southern Plains into the Mississippi Valley, the weather service said.

Due to these possibilities, these areas are at slight risks for excessive rainfall and damaging wind gusts could impact these areas.

In addition to storms, the weather service warns parts of the U.S. are at risk this week for extreme heat.

As of around noon Monday, the National Weather Service predicted the following detailed forecast for Tampa Bay:

Today: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 4 p.m. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. South wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 11 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. East wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 75. North northeast wind around 6 mph becoming east after midnight.

Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Light and variable wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Wednesday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8 p.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Northwest wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Thursday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Sunny and hot, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming west 5-7 mph in the afternoon.

Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 78. West wind 3-7 mph.

Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 8 a.m. Sunny, with a high near 94. Light west wind increasing to 5-9 mph in the morning.

Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 79.

Saturday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 95.

Saturday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly clear, with a low around 76.

Sunday: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 96.