5-day projected rainfall totals

It’s mid-March, and that often means big changes in the weather around the Southeast. Spring may be arriving, but that doesn’t mean our chances for strong or severe weather have ended. If you’ve got plans this upcoming weekend, take note: we’re tracking a couple big changes.

The first of two fronts this week will clear the state overnight Sunday into Monday. There will be no big changes in temperatures, although wind gusts may reach 30 mph Monday afternoon. A few showers may linger in central Florida early on a cloudy Monday morning, but by afternoon, most areas will see sun and temperatures rising into the 80s.

High pressure takes over once again for a beautiful middle of the week, and Tuesday and Wednesday will make nice beach days. Conditions will be less breezy, with highs in the 80s and mostly sunny skies.

By Thursday, a front will approach the Panhandle as low pressure begins to strengthen over the southern Plains. Models are still split with regards to timing, but confidence is growing that rain with some embedded thunderstorms will impact North Florida Thursday and Friday. The system may gain strength on Saturday, with some strong storms and periods of heavy rain possible both Saturday and Sunday. It is still too early to give specifics with regards to exact timing and impacts, but we will be tracking the system closely from the FPREN Storm Center over the next few days.