Central Florida residents likely noticed ominous clouds building Saturday, signaling a prolonged rain event expected to persist through Sunday evening.
The culprit is a cold front moving south from the Georgia-Florida border, which is stalling over the region instead of moving through as usual. This slow-moving front, combined with warm Florida conditions, will keep heavy rain over Central Florida much of Sunday.
Beyond rain, the system is generating elevated coastal winds, creating dangerous rip currents along the shore. Meteorologists warn that outdoor plans, whether at the beach or inland, will face significant disruptions.
The lack of a strong northern cold push has allowed warmth to dominate, reducing the front’s momentum. When fronts stall, rainfall totals often rise significantly, which is expected this weekend.
Early Morning Onset in Northwestern Counties
Rain will begin between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday in northwestern counties. Overnight, winds will weaken, creating conditions for dense fog. Southern counties such as Polk, Osceola, and Brevard have the highest fog risk in the predawn hours, though areas including Sumter, Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties may also experience visibility issues.
Afternoon Hours Bring Heaviest Rain
Rainfall will intensify between noon and 2 p.m., depending on where storms develop. While severe storms are unlikely, meteorologists note that stronger showers or thunderstorms with wind gusts and lightning cannot be completely ruled out.
Peak Intensity Expected Sunday Afternoon
The heaviest rain is expected between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., making Sunday a poor day for errands, shopping, or outdoor activities. The front will stay in place until after sunset, when a weak low-pressure system offshore gradually pushes it south, bringing cooler, drier air for Monday.
Monday Morning Brings Lingering Rain
Some areas may wake up to light or moderate rain Monday morning, particularly in southern counties. Thunderstorm and heavy rainfall risks should decrease by late Sunday. Fog concerns will ease as the front moves south.
Relief Arrives Mid-Week
By midweek, the forecast brightens, with temperatures near or slightly below the seasonal average of 75 degrees. Meteorologists will continue monitoring cold fronts across the U.S., which shape Florida’s winter weather patterns.
Central Florida residents should prepare for a washout Sunday, monitor forecasts, and postpone outdoor plans until the front finally moves along.
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