After weeks of record heat and near-drought conditions, up to 10 inches of rain are expected this week

After weeks of record heat and near-drought conditions, a slow-moving tropical rainstorm developing over the Gulf of Mexico this week is expected to bring more than a foot of rain to parts of Florida, including 8 to 10 inches to Sarasota and Manatee. counties. AccuWeather meteorologists say this week's rainfall totals could rival those from some of the powerful hurricanes that have made landfall in Florida in recent years, including Hurricane Ian.

A plume of moisture from the Caribbean will move across the state during the week. This will bring us widespread showers with the highest totals in Southwest Florida. Most of this rain will fall Wednesday through Friday. #flwx pic.twitter.com/f8tJxxfRBo

– NWS Tampa Bay (@NWSTampaBay) June 10, 2024

“The target is southwest Florida along the Gulf Coast,” AccuWeather chief meteorologist Bernie Rayno said in a news release. “The big threat is flooding. Warm air at the surface and cold air aloft create a very unstable atmosphere. With the jet stream dropping this far south, it's going to pull a lot of tropical moisture toward Florida.

The rain is expected to start tomorrow and fall through Sunday, so it's safe to say you probably shouldn't plan a beach day this week. Flash flooding is a major concern across the state this week, but rain and clouds will offer a break from the Sunshine State's recent heat, reduce the risk of wildfires and help improve drought conditions mentioned above.

Meteorologists also say this storm is unlikely to strengthen into a tropical storm or hurricane, although forecasters are predicting an above-normal hurricane season, with 17 to 25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes.