Looks like a great week end!

Friday, July 27, 2007

Scattered Afternoon Showers and Thunderstorms Expected Each Afternoon through the Weekend…Locally Heavy Rainfall Possible in Some Areas…A Few Storms Could Be Strong…Increased Rip Current Threat along a Portion of the Florida Atlantic Coast…

An upper level trough of low pressure over the eastern U.S. and a surface ridge of high pressure over the Southeast will continue to drive the weather pattern across Florida through Sunday.
A moist and fairly unstable air mass will linger across the state, fueling the development of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly from northeastern Florida southward into the peninsula where the deeper moisture lies. Over the remainder of northern Florida, slightly drier air moving in from the north will suppress much of the activity, but isolated thunderstorms are still possible. Storms will be confined to the coastal areas during the morning, spreading into the interior and becoming more numerous later in the afternoon as sea breeze boundaries move inland and outflow boundaries from ongoing thunderstorms collide and trigger additional storms. The potential for widespread severe weather is low; however, a few storms could become quite strong or even briefly severe. Periods of locally heavy rainfall are possible within the stronger storms and—as in previous days—the potential exists for temporary flooding of some streets and low-lying areas. In addition, any thunderstorm may produce frequent and very deadly cloud-to-ground lightning(Giving Jessika Bland -Local storm chaser- the upper hand). Other threats include wind gusts up to 45 mph and small hail. Also, there will be a threat of isolated waterspouts along the coastal areas. Some of these waterspouts may move onshore and become short-lived tornadoes, causing minor damage. sounds like my kind of weekend!!

Monitor local media or NOAA Weather Radio throughout the weekend for any statements and/or warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Remember…IF YOU CAN HEAR THUNDER, YOU ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO A STORM TO BE STRUCK BY LIGHTNING! Move indoors immediately when a thunderstorm approaches, stay away from windows, and avoid using electrical appliances and telephones.

Scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected once again Saturday and Sunday, which is typical for this time of year. Most of the activity will be from northeastern Florida and south into the peninsula, but isolated to scattered thunderstorms over north and northwestern areas of the state cannot be ruled out. The main threats will continue to be dangerous cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, locally heavy rainfall, and brief gusty winds. Storms should diminish in coverage and intensity by the late evening hours. A frontal boundary is forecast to dip into the Southeast on Sunday, increasing rain chances over northern sections of Florida by the first half of next week. Rain chances over the remainder of the state will remain decent.

There will be a moderate threat of rip currents Friday through Sunday along the East Central Florida coast. Beachgoers should consult with local lifeguards or beach patrol about surf conditions before venturing into the water.

At this time, no tropical cyclones are forecast to develop through the next couple of days. An area of showers and thunderstorms which has persisted over the western Gulf of Mexico for the past few days will begin to move over the Texas/Louisiana coast Friday.( poor guys they ont need any more) No organization of this system will occur due to unfavorable conditions( Darn shear!)

Have a great week end!!!