Increasing Showers and Thunderstorms for Florida Panhandle, Big Bend

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Locally heavy rain is on the way for the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend, with showers and thunderstorms becoming more numerous each day through the weekend and the heaviest totals expected early next week, according to the National Weather Service in Tallahassee.

Abundant tropical moisture continues to stream north across the region. Showers and thunderstorms will increase in coverage through the weekend as a cold front slows while moving through the area. The potential for heavier rainfall extends into early next week.

If the heavier rainfall materializes, some flash flooding will become possible, especially in flood-prone and poor-drainage locations. Gusty winds and frequent lightning remain possible in stronger storms.

Forecast precipitation ranges through Monday include 4–6 inches near DeFuniak Springs, 3–4 inches around Apalachicola and Panama City, and generally 2–3 inches across much of the Florida Panhandle, southeast Alabama, and southwest Georgia. Valdosta is forecast at 1.5–2 inches. Daily amounts build from under an inch Friday toward 1–2 inches by Sunday and Monday in many locations.

High temperatures will generally stay in the mid-to-upper 80s through the weekend before trending slightly cooler early next week. Overnight lows remain in the low-to-mid 70s.

Areas at elevated risk for showers, thunderstorms, and locally heavy rainfall include:

• Tallahassee
• Panama City and the coastal Panhandle
• Apalachicola and the Big Bend coast
• DeFuniak Springs and Walton County
• Dothan, Albany, Bainbridge, and the Wiregrass
• Valdosta, Tifton, and southwest Georgia

Tallahassee Area Weather Forecast

Today (Friday): A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84–85. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation around 50%. New rainfall amounts generally under a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms early, then a slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation around 30%.

Saturday: A slight chance of showers early, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 84–85. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation around 50%. Rainfall amounts of a tenth to a quarter of an inch possible, locally higher in storms.

Sunday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 82. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation around 80%.

Monday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm continue as the front slows. Heavier rainfall totals become more likely.