Rain bands and brief downpours were present near Orlando early Sunday, with temperatures around 73 degrees; the day did not start clear. Brisk easterly flow and gusts across the region hinted at what was coming: a much wetter afternoon and evening. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become likely after midday, with a 70% chance of rain, gusts up to 30 mph and temperatures sliding from near 79 toward the mid-70s.
The outlook is a sharper turn from Saturday’s forecast, which already warned of a stormy Sunday and Monday. The earlier Hoodline forecast called for the wet pattern, while the latest update raises the concern for heavy rain and flooding across east Central Florida.
Rain Builds Through Sunday Afternoon
A few showers could pass through the Orlando area this morning, but rain chances rise steadily late morning into the afternoon. The heaviest activity is expected from early afternoon into the evening, when repeated downpours and thunderstorms could make roads slick and cause ponding in poorly drained spots.
Sunday night stays unsettled, with another 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. The National Weather Service expects widespread rainfall of 1 to 3 inches through Monday night, with isolated locations potentially seeing 5 to 7 inches.
Flood Watch Focuses On Counties South And East
The formal Flood Watch runs through Monday afternoon for Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties, where soils are already saturated and the risk of flash flooding is greatest. Orlando and Orange County are not included in that watch, but locally heavy rain can still overwhelm drainage systems and create temporary street flooding.
Drivers should avoid flooded roads, slow down during downpours and give themselves extra time for Sunday evening travel. The worst rain threat is expected to gradually diminish by Monday afternoon, though Monday still brings a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms.
Atlantic Beaches Remain A Bad Bet
Anyone heading east from Orlando should skip the ocean. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect through Monday evening for breakers around 5 to 7 feet, while a high risk of life-threatening rip currents continues along Central Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Minor to moderate coastal flooding is also possible near and south of St. Lucie Inlet during high tide. Boaters face rough seas and fresh easterly winds under a Small Craft Advisory that continues into Tuesday.
Storm Chances Ease Later This Week
Tuesday remains warm at about 82 degrees with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, while Wednesday reaches roughly 84 with a lower rain chance. The pattern brings rain chances of 20% or less Thursday and Friday, with highs in the low to mid-80s.
Lows from Tuesday through Friday are forecast in the mid-60s to low-70s, followed by a sunny Saturday near 81. For Sunday, though, the umbrella and a little patience are likely to be more useful than beach gear.
