It was another blazing hot, dry and breezy day across central Florida on Friday. There were a few clouds, but nothing rain-producing. The lakes continue to disappear under the constant assault of the never-ending sunshine. The temperature remained in the low 90°s F (33° C) until well after 7:00 pm this evening.
There are changes coming, say the computer weather forecast models. They are currently predicting the central peninsula will have a 50/50 chance of rain the next 5 days. That is a significant improvement. We won't count our raindrops until they fall, however.
The forecast motion of the storm should bring Subtropical Storm Beryl inland over a portion of the southeastern USA in about 2 days, where it will likely stall again before turning back to the east.
The proximity of Subtropical Storm Beryl to an upper-level cold low may slow its ability to transition into a a tropical cyclone. Marginally warm waters and dry air in the vicinity of the cyclone could also impede its intensification. One factor that may aid the storm's development is the warm waters of the Gulf Stream which could potentially provide it with a momentary boost. Regardless, the storm should provide enough lift to cause rain showers to return to much of the Florida peninsula over the coming days.
The current forecast is for Subtropical Storm Beryl to come ashore around 30.5° N. which is around Jacksonville Beach, Florida. We are located about 120 miles to the south but could still feel the effects of the broad circulation.
The 5-day precipitation forecast map (above) hints at some much-needed rain for the north-central peninsula of Florida.
