S TAT E O F F L O R I D A
DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
RICK SCOTT
Governor
BRYAN W. KOON
Director
WEEKLY REPORT
05/31/2012
In the wake of Tropical Storm Beryl which brought some much needed rainfall to
the state earlier this week, we’ll stay in a rather unsettled weather pattern through
the first half of the weekend.
Even as the remnants of Beryl pull further away from the U.S., tropical moisture
streaming northward across much of the state and an approaching cold front,
which will move through North Florida on Friday, Central Florida on Saturday and
South Florida on Sunday will help trigger scattered shower and thunderstorm
activity.
The highest rain chances will likely occur on Friday statewide as tropical moisture
combined with daytime heating and the sea breeze will generate a 50-70%
chance for scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across Central
and South Florida, while the cold front moving into the Panhandle will produce a
20-50% chance of showers and storms.
These showers and possibly a few storms will linger into the overnight hours,
especially across the Florida Big Bend and across Central and South Florida.
On Saturday, drier air moves into the Panhandle behind the front, but the
southward moving front, along with the sea breeze coming into both coasts of the
Peninsula, will continue the chance for isolated to scattered showers in the
afternoon and evening across Central and South Florida. However, most of the
day should be beautiful for enjoying some outdoor activities.
As we head into next week, our rain chances will decrease as the front moves
south, leaving us with only a slight chance for isolated showers and possibly a
few storms across portions of Central and South Florida and dry conditions
across North Florida.
In all, rainfall amounts could reach 1-3inch range across South Florida and up to
1 inch across North and Central Florida, with most of this occurring on Friday and
Saturday. Although we’re not expecting any significant flooding concerns, we
encourage people driving on the roads to use extra caution.
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FLORIDA RECOVERY OFFICE
5900 Lake Ellenor Drive
Orlando, FL 32809-4634
• D I V I S I O N H E A D Q U A R T E R S • STATE LO GI S TI CS R ESP O NSE CEN TE R
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
2702 Directors Row
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2100
Orlando, FL 32809-5631
Tel: 850-413-9969 • Fax: 850-488-1016
www.FloridaDisaster.org
Weekly Report – Page Two
Although most of the severe weather should stay to our north, some storms each
afternoon could become strong and produce gusty winds to 50mph, small hail
and dangerous lightning strikes.
So if you are outside this weekend, keep an eye on the sky and if you see
lightning or hear thunder, seek safe shelter and wait 30 minutes until the last
boom of thunder to resume any outdoor activities.
While the front will give us some more beneficial rain, it will not bring us cooler
temperatures. Our scorching mid-week temperatures cool down a bit and we’ll be
back to around average temperatures in the 80’s over the next couple of days.
Cloud cover will allow temperatures to dip back to around average for the month.
The coast will see low 80’s on Friday while inland will see upper 80’s.
However, more sunshine expected on Saturday will allow temperatures to climb
into the upper 80s to low 90s statewide, and highs in the upper 80s to low 90s
are expected to last through the middle of next week. A few areas may even
reach the mid 90s by Tuesday afternoon.
Overnight lows will remain seasonable beginning in the uppers 60’s to mid 70’s
Friday and Saturday then warming up to upper 70’s on Monday.
With temperatures increasing over the weekend, lower humidity entering the
region behind the front, and much of the state still in a moderate to severe
drought, including areas that got several inches of rain from Tropical Storm Beryl,
conditions may be favorable for the development and spread of wildfires,
especially over North and Central Florida.
So take some time this weekend to make your home Firewise, by remembering
to clear the yard and gutters along the house of any dead vegetation and excess
debris. If your weekend plans include taking the barbecue out, keep firefighting
tools in an accessible place and keep an eye on any open flames. Also, take
some time to water and trim the grass.
For all you beach goers, make sure to check the rip current forecast before you
head out to the water. There is a potential for moderate rip currents along the
West Central Coast and Panhandle Friday and Saturday. Remember, rip
currents can be very dangerous. If you do get caught in one, remain calm and
never fight against the current. Swim at an angle parallel to the shoreline.
Have a wonderful weekend, and for more safety tips and daily updates on the
weather forecast, you can always visit www.FloridaDisaster.org and click on the
Division’s homepage.
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