TAMPA, FLORIDA — A wet pattern will grip much of Florida and the Gulf Coast over the coming week, with the National Blend of Models forecasting total rainfall as high as 3.33 inches in Cape Coral and 3.1 inches in Tampa by 1 p.m. CT Saturday, September 5, according to the latest forecast guidance.
Southwest Florida Sees Highest Rainfall Totals
The heaviest rainfall is expected across southwest and central Florida, with Cape Coral leading at 3.33 inches, followed closely by Tampa at 3.1 inches and Orlando at 2.74 inches. This zone of enhanced rainfall, shown in deep orange and magenta on the forecast model, reflects the core of the wet pattern expected to set up over the peninsula through the week.
New Orleans and Panhandle Cities Also See Notable Totals
Along the central Gulf Coast, New Orleans is forecast to pick up 1.3 inches of rain, while Panama City and Tallahassee are expected to see 0.93 and 1.2 inches, respectively. Pensacola falls slightly lower at 0.81 inches, with Gainesville matching that total at 0.81 inches as the rain shield extends across the northern Gulf Coast and into north Florida.
Lighter Totals Expected Across Interior Georgia and Alabama
Farther inland, rainfall totals drop off considerably, with Montgomery at just 0.03 inches, Columbus at 0.03 inches, and Macon at 0.01 inches. Dothan and Albany also see minimal totals, at 0.07 and 0.53 inches, respectively, indicating the heaviest moisture will remain focused closer to the coast and over the Florida peninsula rather than pushing deep into the interior Southeast.
South Florida and Keys Round Out Wet Forecast
Farther south, Miami is forecast to see 1.4 inches of rain, while the Florida Keys, including Key West, could pick up 1.55 inches by the end of the forecast period. Combined with the heavier totals across central and southwest Florida, the outlook points to a soggy stretch for much of the state heading into the second week of September…