The recent return of rainfall and thunderstorms to Gainesville has provided some relief amid what has been described as a historic drought across North Central Florida. If the forecast holds, “Rainesville” may continue living up to its nickname through at least July 21.
USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida reported on July 17 that the National Hurricane Center continues to highlight a “kidney bean-shaped area” stretching from the northern Gulf across the Big Bend and North Florida and into the Atlantic.
Keeping the odds of a tropical cyclone forming over seven days at 20% as of early July 17, the chance of formation over 48 hours was near 0%.
USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida continued that meteorologists recommended keeping an eye on the idling area but said regardless of whether it earns the name Bertha — the next name on the 2026 hurricane list — heavy rains are expected.
Areas from Panama City through Cedar Key may also get a dousing of up to 3 inches into July 20.
While the system is not expected to directly affect Gainesville, the city is forecast to experience an active stretch of typical summer weather, including daily chances for showers and thunderstorms, according to the National Weather Service as of July 17. Here’s what the weather service expects:
July 17
With an 80% chance of rain throughout the day, new rainfall amounts are expected to be between a quarter and half of an inch, with possibly higher amounts in thunderstorms. After 4 p.m., showers and thunderstorms and a high near 94. Heat index values will be as high as 106, and a west wind will come around 7 mph.
July 18
There is a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, predicted mainly after 3 p.m. The high will be near 93, and the heat index values will go as high as 105
July 19
There’s an 80% chance of precipitation, a chance of showers before 11 a.m., and a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2 p.m. The high will be near 90.
At night there’s an 80% chance of precipitation, showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers with a low around 74.
July 20
The chance of precipitation is 80%, with showers likely seen before 11 a.m. and showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
After 2 p.m., showers and thunderstorms are predicted with a high near 90.
July 21
There is a 60% chance of precipitation, with showers likely before 8 a.m., and showers and possibly a thunderstorm between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Then there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. The high will be near 91.
At night there’s a 30% chance of precipitation, with thunderstorms likely before 8 p.m.. The low will be around 76.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: What’s the weather prediction for Gainesville through July 21?
Reporting by Elliot Tritto and Kimberly Miller, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Elliot Tritto and Kimberly Miller, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
