The south of Florida faces a day of intense rainfall, thunderstorms, and extreme heat this Monday, with Miami-Dade and Broward among the areas at greatest risk, according to the forecast from Telemundo 51 prepared by meteorologist Dainet Sierra.
The probability of rain for this Monday reaches 80%, with expected accumulations between 0.25 and 0.50 inches, although some areas may exceed those figures.
The highest activity will be concentrated during the afternoon and the early hours of the evening, when the clash of sea breezes activates the storm cells.
“The combination of heat, tropical humidity, and light winds will create the perfect scenario for another round of intense storms this Monday,” warned Sierra.
Due to the limited flow of wind, many of these storms will move slowly, which increases the risk of localized flooding, especially along the east coast.
High temperatures will reach around 90 °F, but the heat index could rise to 103 °F with south winds of only three to seven mph.
The I-95 corridor is on alert for flash flooding
According to an analysis by the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network, published by WMNF, the greatest threat of flash flooding is concentrated along the I-95 corridor, from Jacksonville to Miami.
Meteorologist Irene Sans from FPREN explained that the confluence of a surge of humidity from the south and an unusual weak frontal boundary for the end of July is causing storm activity throughout the peninsula.
"Some storms could become severe, with the main danger being wind gusts of at least 58 mph," noted Sans; who also warned: "Avoid any flooded areas, especially those that tend to become waterlogged easily."
The precipitation will slowly move from west to east, which means that large amounts of water could fall repeatedly in the same areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
Welcome rains amid a historic drought
This rainy pattern arrives at a critical moment for Florida, which has been under severe drought for months.
By mid-July, nearly 99% of the state was experiencing some level of drought, with 85% in severe or worse condition, and the Everglades were facing one of their worst water crises in 25 years.
The Tampa Bay area, extending up to the north of Punta Gorda, is experiencing extreme drought, and the inland areas of Miami-Dade and Broward have also seen their conditions worsen in recent weeks.
The forecasts indicate that some areas of the Gulf Coast could receive between 3 and 5 inches of rain from Sunday to Thursday, which Sans described as "highly welcome, especially since much of the rain is expected to fall in the areas that need it most."
The drought also fueled nearly 50 wildfires that ravaged more than 10,000 hectares in various locations across the state during the week of July 24.
Forecast for the rest of the week
On Tuesday, history repeats itself with a 50% chance of rain, maximum temperatures nearing 92 °F, and heat indices rising to 105 °F, with southwest winds ranging from five to 11 mph and gusts up to 18 mph.
Starting Wednesday, the arrival of drier air and dust from the Sahara will lead to a decrease in rain coverage, with more hours of sunshine and highs approaching 94 °F.
By the weekend, however, humidity will begin to rise again over the state, which could lead to a return of evening storms, particularly around Lake Okeechobee.
The meteorologist Greg Dee from Tampa Bay 28 summarized the weekly outlook: "With the arrival of an unusual front for late July, the chances of rain look quite good. Good coverage of rain extends throughout the week, especially between Thursday and Saturday."
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