NWS: up to two inches of rainfall expected across parts of Central Florida Monday and Tuesday
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE: The Space Coast may see increased rainfall and the potential formation of a tropical system this week, according to the National Hurricane Center. (NWS image)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Space Coast may see increased rainfall and the potential formation of a tropical system this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
In its Sunday afternoon update, the NHC reported that a trough of low pressure is expected to develop near the southeastern U.S. coast within the next day or two. The system is forecast to drift westward, crossing the Florida peninsula and entering the Gulf of Mexico by Tuesday.
While the system currently has a low chance—about 20%—of forming into a tropical depression or storm over the next seven days, forecasters say environmental conditions in the northeastern and north-central Gulf could support gradual development as the week progresses.
“Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could produce localized flash flooding over portions of Florida and the north-central Gulf coast through the mid to late portion of this week,” the NHC warned.
If the system strengthens into a named storm, it would be called Tropical Storm Dexter.
Locally, the National Weather Service office in Melbourne is forecasting up to two inches of rainfall across parts of Central Florida between Monday and Tuesday.
As the disturbance moves west, lingering moisture may keep conditions wet through the middle of the week. Forecasters also noted that stronger storms could bring frequent lightning, gusty winds, and heavy downpours.
Earlier in July, Florida experienced significant rain from a system that eventually became Tropical Storm Chantal, which made landfall along the Carolina coast and caused inland flooding.
Looking at the broader season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted an active hurricane season with 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes. Of those, 3 to 5 are expected to reach Category 3 status or higher.
Monday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon. The chance of precipitation is 70%.
Monday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11 pm, then a chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 75. South wind around 5 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
Tuesday: A chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 11 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8 pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 76. South southeast wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
Wednesday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 2 pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2 pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 88. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 2 am, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southeast wind around 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday: A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 8 am. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
Thursday Night: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. The chance of precipitation is 60%.
Friday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
