Sunny and dry first, then rain before Florida welcomes fall, y’all

ORLANDO, Fla. – Get ready for a busy stretch of weather in the Orlando area.

Heavy rain and flooding risks peak Friday, followed by a cold front that will finally bring the coolest, driest air we’ve felt in months.

But before that refreshing change, dangerous beach conditions continue in Central Florida, with rough surf, life-threatening rip currents and coastal flooding at high tide.

[VIDEO BELOW: Candace Campos tracks the tropics]

Midweek

Wednesday stays mainly dry for most of Central Florida, though a few isolated showers may pop up along the coastline. Highs will reach the mid- to upper 80s, with slightly cooler temps along the coast.

Even as seas slowly calm, coastal flooding and rip currents remain dangerous. A Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect, with minor saltwater flooding, especially around high tide.

This will keep the flood threat along docks, seawalls and low-lying coastal neighborhoods.

Late Week

By Thursday and Friday, things become more unsettled. A developing low near the Florida Straits and an approaching cold front will bring numerous coastal showers and downpours. Rain chances climb to 60–80%, with some areas potentially picking up up to 2-4 inches of rain in localized downpours.

With grounds already very saturated, the Storm Prediction Center has highlighted coastal communities under a Marginal Risk for excessive rainfall both days.

At the same time, high tides and building surf will keep coastal flooding concerns high, possibly extending the Coastal Flood Advisory through the end of the week.

Weekend

By Saturday, the front moves through and rain chances taper off. Behind it comes a refreshing taste of fall with lower humidity, breezy north winds and daytime highs dipping into the low 80s.

Overnight lows will fall into the 60s inland and upper 60s along the coast. The last time we saw temperatures this cool overnight was mid-May.

Even as skies clear, the ocean won’t be friendly. Long-period swells will continue to create dangerous rip currents and minor beach erosion at times of high tide through the weekend.

Early Next Week

Sunday through Tuesday will remain very pleasant under dry skies and crisp air. Expect highs in the low to mid-80s and comfortable lows in the 60s.