Friday weather: Where will Florida see the most rain?

FLORIDA — Keep the umbrella close on Friday. A wetter weather pattern is spreading across Florida, bringing showers and thunderstorms to a large part of the state as the weekend begins.

The greatest rain chances Friday are expected across Central and Northeast Florida, where some communities could see thunderstorms and locally heavy downpours during the afternoon and evening.

Jacksonville and Northeast Florida

Jacksonville has about a 70% chance of rain Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

The morning should begin relatively quiet, but showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread during the afternoon, particularly after 2 p.m.

Some thunderstorms could produce heavy rain in a short period of time. Forecasters say repeated downpours could eventually increase the risk of localized flooding across Northeast Florida as the wet pattern continues through the weekend and into next week.

Temperatures in Jacksonville are expected to reach around 88°F.

Orlando and Central Florida

Central Florida will also be one of the wetter areas Friday.

Orlando has about a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with most of the activity expected during the afternoon.

Heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds will be possible with stronger storms.

The Orlando area will remain hot despite the rain, with temperatures around 90°F and high humidity.

Tampa Bay

Tampa has about a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with storms most likely developing later in the afternoon.

Temperatures will approach 89°F, while the heat index could reach around 100°F before storms provide some relief.

Miami and South Florida

South Florida may see somewhat less widespread rain Friday.

Miami has about a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon. Winds will also be noticeable, with easterly gusts potentially reaching around 22 mph.

It will remain hot, with Miami reaching approximately 88°F and the heat index potentially climbing to around 104°F.

A wetter weekend is coming

Friday is only the beginning of a wetter stretch for much of Florida.

Rain and thunderstorm chances are expected to remain elevated Saturday and Sunday before increasing further in parts of the state early next week.

For Friday, the main areas to watch are Jacksonville, Northeast Florida and Central Florida, where afternoon storms are expected to be more widespread.

Drivers should be prepared for sudden heavy rain, reduced visibility and water collecting on roads during stronger downpours.

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