Sarasota-Manatee — Brace yourself for an active stretch of weather. Afternoon and evening storms will be a daily occurrence through the weekend, and some are packing heavy rain that could lead to minor flooding in areas. The ground is saturated from recent heavy rain.
What’s Happening Now
Heavy rainfall is already causing problems. One area recorded 3 inches in a short period of time. The Manatee River at Mayaka Head and Horse Creek west of Arcadia have already triggered flood warnings, which are expected to remain in effect through Friday at 11 a.m.
What to Expect Through the Weekend
Thursday: Start your day with sunshine — a gorgeous morning. Afternoon showers and storms develop along the sea breeze front, mainly inland. A 50% chance of scattered storms, primarily in the afternoon and evening hours.
Friday through Sunday: This is where it gets active. Afternoon and evening storms will be around every single day. The good news: it won’t be an all-day washout. The challenging news: heavy rain and dangerous lightning are in the forecast. Most of the rainfall will fall inland, but a few storms will reach the coast as well.
What This Means for Your Day
- Commute: Afternoon and evening drives could be impacted by storms. Stay weather-aware after 3 p.m. through the evening hours.
- Plans: Don’t cancel outdoor activities, but keep an eye on the radar. Morning hours look best. Afternoon activities should have a backup plan.
- Boaters: Scattered storms expected in the late afternoon Thursday. Southeast winds turn south, light at 5-10 knots. Seas under a foot. The Gulf is a warm 88 degrees.
- Flooding: If you live in Hardy, DeSoto, or East Manatee counties, monitor flood warnings closely. Heavy rain can develop quickly.
A Silver Lining
After a summer of below-average rainfall, we’ve officially caught up. The Sarasota-Bradenton area is now 1.89 inches above average for the year — the first time since June 1st. Some inland areas are running 4-5 inches above normal…