Floridians are no strangers to erratic weather predictions, so when news of Tropical Storm Cristobal hit Florida before the actual storms, it didn't come as a surprise for everyone. As Cristobal continues to take over the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is being pelted with rain and soaring temperatures. Central Florida is expected to see intense rainfall for the next 15 days straight, so it might be time to break out those board games and books!
Fox 35 Weather reports that the tropical storm pummeled Mexico and parts of South America with torrential rain early Wednesday morning. It's expected to weaken into a tropical depression by the time it hits Louisiana.
According to the National Hurricane Center’s prediction, The Gulf states can expect a tentative Sunday arrival of the weakened storm.
In the meantime, Florida isn’t expected to see the full force of Cristobal as he moves straight up The Gulf towards Louisiana, but that doesn’t mean that The Sunshine State is getting away with its signature sunny skies.
According to Fox 35, heavy rainstorms will drench the state as a result of Cristobal sending tropical moisture towards the coast.
The Weather Channel predicts 15 consecutive days of rainfall for Central Florida including today, particularly for the Orlando area.
As the state moves towards summertime weather patterns again, Orlando's forecast shows temps in the high 80s for the following weeks, with expected rising into the 90s towards the end of the month into August.
The unwavering rain and sweltering temperatures will almost make it feel like an actual sauna out there. High winds are also anticipated for north Florida.
NHC Senior Hurricane Specialist Jack Beven was quoted in an Orlando Sentinel report stating, “There is a risk of storm surge, heavy rainfall, and wind impacts beginning over the weekend along portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast from Texas to the Florida Panhandle.”
Cristobal was cited by the Orlando Sentinel as forming from the remnants of Tropical Storm Amanda, the first named storm of the 2020 Pacific hurricane season.
While The Sunshine State isn't currently expected to take the brunt of the storm, it never hurts to prepare. If you haven’t already started stocking up on your hurricane prep items, now might be a great time to start!