Florida Public Radio Emergency Network

As summer-like heat builds this week across the Sunshine State, an approaching cold front is expected to result in widespread storms by Wednesday.

Cost, transportation and mobility can prevent someone from taking action during weather events. While officials and community groups are working to close those gaps, human psychology is also part of the problem.

Heavy rain, local flooding, strong winds, and isolated tornadoes will all be possible over the peninsula on Thursday.

The National Hurricane Center said in an update of its products that two-day outlooks will still be available in addition to the new seven-day outlook.

Gradual improvement to drought conditions are forecast as the rainy season gets started in about six weeks.

Consistent high temperatures could "accelerate the outset of drought,” says one climatologist.

Expect breezy conditions across the greater Tampa Bay region before the storms roll in during the early evening.

Florida is coming off its fifth warmest year in 2022.

Hurricane Ian caused 149 confirmed deaths in Florida, most of which occurred in coastal areas overtaken by Ian’s deadly storm surge.

Florida ranks fifth nationally in average number of tornadoes.

Since 1995, rip currents have killed more than 300 people in Florida. Rip current deaths often go unreported, but this weather phenomena can be just as deadly as hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning or flooding.“I don’t think people understand how deadly it is,” said Amy Godsey, Chief Meteorologist for the Florida Division of Emergency Management, “every year we have 30 to 35 fatalities just from rip currents. In a typical year that’s more than any other weather hazard.”

Florida had 285 lightning events per square mile in 2022.