Rain

With an 80% chance of showers and storms forecast for the Tampa Bay region and beyond ahead of this Fourth of July holiday weekend, one meteorologist says “when thunder roars, go indoors.”

Florida's recent rains have significantly reduced the drought, with about 87% now experiencing drought, down from 93%. The calendar also marks the official start of the rainy season for South Florida.

Some isolated spots received slight relief from the drought courtesy of the low pressure that dissected the state earlier this week. Can we expect more soon?

Florida received a fair coating of rain on Monday with that low-pressure system that dissected the state. Many received around 2 inches, while the Keys flooded. This could put a dent in the drought.

Higher-than-normal rain chances continue to affect different parts of Florida throughout the Labor Day Weekend.

There is no unofficial end to the summer after Labor Day in Florida. The heat stays and deeper moisture returns, flooding is probable.

It will be a very hot and muggy weekend, with triple-digit heat indices and the typical afternoon storms. Widespread tropical rains coming next week, increasing the flood risk.

The cold front will bring rain starting Saturday, along with cooler temperatures.

Above normal rainfall this winter could lead to a less active wildfire season across parts of Florida.

Strong winds and 3-5 inches of rainfall are possible across most of the state this weekend. Before the main storm arrives, conditions to remain windy on Friday.

Counties across the greater Tampa Bay region and along the west coast are under water restrictions, and the state's wettest season is over until late spring. Meanwhile, portions of the east coast were deluged with rain.

Weather patterns are changing entering the winter season, and this could continue to bring wetter conditions to the Southeast.