Cold front moving across Florida could bring 'thorough soaking,' potential for severe weather

Severe weather could arrive in Florida early this week as storms are forecast to bring cooler weather and rain in the days before Christmas, according to AccuWeather and the National Weather Service.

Even if the system pushing through the state is a moderate one, it could bring heavy, gusty thunderstorms that are expected to become severe for some in central and southern Florida from Monday night to Tuesday.

"There is little doubt that a portion of the Southeastern states will get a thorough soaking from the storm into Tuesday, but there is some question as to how extensive the shield of rain will be," AccuWeather Meteorologist Tony Zartman said.

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If the storm strengthens quickly, a severe weather outbreak could evolve that includes some supercell thunderstorms capable of producing a few tornadoes over Florida.

The system approaching Florida garnered a tweet from meteorologist Jim Cantore, who tweeted parts of Florida could get soaked Tuesday, especially along and south of Interstate 4.

Brief downpours may extend as far south as the Miami area and the Florida Keys Tuesday afternoon and evening, bringing with them a threat for waterspouts.

By Wednesday and through the rest of the week, dry weather and sunshine is expected to return.

Airports may face some delays due to lightning or severe thunderstorms, while motorists could face reduced visibility and the threat of hydroplaning, along with localized flooding.

At this time, it appears areas from northern and central Florida could receive 0.50 of an inch to 1 inch of rain, with locally higher amounts spanning Monday night to Tuesday night, forecasters said.

The stronger the storm becomes and the speed at which it strengthens will have an impact on how far north and west the rain would reach, Zartman said.

Pensacola weather

Rain chances are forecast to increase from late morning into the afternoon, with cool temperatures hanging around the lower to middle 50s west of the I-65 corridor and upper 50s to near 60 along and east of I-65.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for Pensacola

► National Weather Service on Twitter

Tallahassee weather

Light rain is forecast to arrive late this afternoon and this evening, then get heavier overnight. Rain will continue into Tuesday evening. Many folks will get 1 to 2 inches of rain, with a bit less over Northwest Florida.

Once we get past Tuesday's cold, wet weather, the rest of the week will feature dry weather and some sunshine. Mornings will be seasonably cool and Wednesday and Thursday, with a warming trend heading into Christmas weekend.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for Tallahassee

► NWSTallahassee on Twitter

Jacksonville weather

Advisories in effect

• Rip currents: High rip current risk in effect through late Tuesday. Dangerous rip currents and rough surf of 4 to 6 feet along Northeast Florida beaches.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for Jacksonville

► NWSJacksonville on Twitter

Daytona Beach weather

Special advisories in effect

• Flood watch: Persistent heavy showers and storms may produce locally heavy rainfall across portions of coastal Volusia, Brevard and Indian River counties beginning this afternoon through the overnight hours. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 4 inches are possible with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches.

• Hazardous weather outlook: Isolated lightning storms will be possible across the area today, especially during the afternoon hours and across the Atlantic waters. Any storm that forms will be capable of lightning strikes, brief heavy downpours and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Locally heavy rainfall will be possible along the Space Coast this afternoon into the evening hours. Training or slow-moving showers and storms could lead to minor flooding, especially in low lying and poor drainage areas.

• Beach hazards statement: In effect through 7 p.m. Rough surf and a moderate risk of life threatening rip currents are expected at the beaches north of Sebastian Inlet today. Statement in effect for coastal Volusia and Brevard counties.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for Daytona Beach

► NWSMelbourne on Twitter (covers Daytona Beach)

Melbourne weather

Scattered afternoon showers and a few storms, especially near the coast, are forecast for today. Heavy rain from persistent shower bands may develop near the Space Coast.

Special advisories in effect

• Flood watch: Persistent heavy showers and storms may produce locally heavy rainfall across portions of coastal Brevard, Indian River and Volusia counties beginning this afternoon through the overnight hours. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 4 inches are possible with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches.

• Hazardous weather outlook: Isolated lightning storms will be possible across the area today, especially during the afternoon hours and across the Atlantic waters. Any storm that forms will be capable of lightning strikes, brief heavy downpours and wind gusts up to 40 mph. Locally heavy rainfall will be possible along the Space Coast this afternoon into the evening hours. Training or slow-moving showers and storms could lead to minor flooding, especially in low lying and poor drainage areas.

• Beach hazards statement: In effect through Monday evening. Rough surf and a moderate risk of life threatening rip currents are expected at the beaches north of Sebastian Inlet today. Statement in effect for Brevard and coastal Volusia counties.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for Melbourne

► NWSMelbourne on Twitter

Treasure Coast weather in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce and Stuart

Scattered afternoon showers and a few storms, especially near the coast, are in the forecast for today.

Special advisories in effect

• Flood watch: Persistent heavy showers and storms may produce locally heavy rainfall across portions of coastal Indian River, Brevard and Volusia counties beginning this afternoon through the overnight hours. Rainfall amounts of 3 to 4 inches are possible with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches.

• Hazardous weather outlook: Isolated lightning storms will be possible across the area today, especially during the afternoon and across the Atlantic waters. Any storm that forms will be capable of lightning strikes, brief heavy downpours and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for Fort Pierce

► NWSMelbourne on Twitter (covers Treasure Coast)

West Palm Beach weather

A cold front will approach South Florida by Tuesday. Ahead of the front, the chances for thunderstorms will increase. A few strong and locally severe thunderstorms are possible Tuesday afternoon. The strongest thunderstorms could produce strong gusty winds and localized flooding.

Deteriorating marine and beach conditions, including increasing swell and building seas, are possible across the local waters on Tuesday into Wednesday as the front moves through the area.

A low-pressure system is still forecast to head our way on Tuesday and the Storm Prediction Center maintains a marginal risk for severe weather across all of South Florida. Heavy rainfall, localized flooding, strong to damaging wind gusts, and an isolated tornado are possible.

Special advisories in effect

• Hazardous weather outlook: A few thunderstorms will be possible today, mainly over the eastern half of the region today, and western half of the region early Tuesday. Flooding: Localized flooding cannot be ruled out along the Atlantic coastline today, and along the west coast for early Tuesday. Waterspouts: There is a slight chance of waterspouts across all the local waters.

• Small craft advisory: A small craft advisory is in effect for most local waters from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening, and a rip current statement may be needed for all coastal beaches.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for West Palm Beach

► NWSMiami on Twitter (covers West Palm Beach)

Naples weather

A cold front will approach South Florida by Tuesday. Ahead of this front, the chances for thunderstorms will increase. A few strong and locally severe thunderstorms are possible Tuesday afternoon. The strongest thunderstorms could produce strong gusty winds and localized flooding.

Deteriorating marine and beach conditions, including increasing swell and building seas, are possible across local waters on Tuesday into Wednesday as the front moves through the area.

Special advisories in effect

• Hazardous weather outlook: A few thunderstorms will be possible today, mainly over the eastern half of the region today, and western half of the region early Tuesday. Flooding: Localized flooding cannot be ruled out along the Atlantic coastline today, and along the west coast for early Tuesday. Waterspouts: There is a slight chance of waterspouts across all the local waters. Rip Currents: There is a moderate risk of rip currents over the beaches of Palm Beach County.

• Small craft advisory: A small craft advisory is in effect for most local waters from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening.

Extended forecast for Naples

► National Weather Service for Naples

► NWSMiami on Twitter (covers Naples)

Sarasota weather

Low pressure is still forecast to head our way on Tuesday and SPC continues to have our region in a marginal risk for severe weather. Be sure to be weather aware over the next day or so as this system plays out.

Special advisories in effect

• Hazardous weather outlook: Wind speeds of 20 to 33 knots will create hazardous boating conditions for small craft operators starting tonight. Wind speeds of 20 to 33 knots will create hazardous boating conditions for small craft operators through early Wednesday morning.

Extended forecast

► National Weather Service for Sarasota

► NWSTampaBay on Twitter (covers Sarasota)

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida weather Christmas: Cold front could bring thunderstorms