SWFL storms return: When to expect downpours this afternoon

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — A few showers moved across Southwest Florida this morning, but much of the area has remained dry through midday. More widespread showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon.

Storm coverage will increase after 1 p.m., with scattered downpours possible across both inland and coastal communities. Some storms could produce locally heavy rainfall and gusty winds.

We could see a lull in action before another round of storms potentially moves in after sunset and into the late nigh hours.

It will remain hot and humid ahead of the storms, with high temperatures in the lower 90s. Feels-like temperatures will climb between 100 and 105 degrees.

Heavy rainfall and gusty winds will be the primary concerns with storms that develop. The unsettled pattern will continue into early next week, with additional rounds of showers and thunderstorms possible.

Marine Conditions

Gusty northeast winds will develop across the eastern Gulf of Mexico by midweek, creating increasingly hazardous marine conditions. Boaters should be prepared for rougher conditions as winds strengthen, especially Wednesday into Thursday.

Tracking the Tropics

A trough of low pressure more than 1,000 miles east-southeast of Bermuda is producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over the central subtropical Atlantic.

Strong upper-level winds are currently limiting development, but conditions are expected to become more favorable as the system moves west-northwestward across the central Atlantic.

Gradual development is possible by the middle to latter part of this week.

The National Hurricane Center gives the system a near 0% chance of development over the next 48 hours and a 30% chance of development over the next seven days.