Rain Bands, Storms Sweep South Florida

MIAMI (CBS4) - The average start date for the rainy season is today, May 20th, and starting this afternoon through the middle of the week South Florida will see plenty of rain.

Scattered showers have been sweeping in across the area since the morning hours and throughout the day the storm chance will remain high due to a surge of deep tropical moisture across the peninsula. A short wave trough combined with a very moist, unstable atmosphere and the daytime heating may even lead to some strong to severe storms.

-->

Some neighborhoods have already seen heavy downpours and excessive lightning. In fact, an Urban Flood advisory was issued for Northeastern Broward and Eastern Palm Beach counties due to rainfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour.

Some of the stronger storms may produce gusty winds up to 50 mph and there is even the slight chance of small hail. We will continue to see a good chance of storms through late week as the moisture continues to build in across the Sunshine State.

Our very Summery weather pattern will continue with highs in the upper 80s. When you factor in the humidity, it could feel like the 90s or warmer. With higher dewpoints and persistent daily showers and storms, this could be the start of the "Rainy Season."

We have to wait for the National Weather Service for the official word. Later this week some drier air will likely move in and by Friday and especially into Saturday the rain chance will go down. With a slight dip in degrees and more of a breeze, it will feel much more comfortable for the long Memorial Day Holiday weekend.