South Florida's rainy season: wettest, stormiest months start

Got summer Florida plans? Today is the very first day of the rainy season for South Florida. Did you know that nearly 70 percent of the average annual rainfall happens during the next five months? Let's dig deeper into some of these interesting stats.

South Florida is a very popular destination during the summer months for many. But you can bet on afternoon thunderstorms if you're planning on vacationing pretty much anywhere in Florida during the summer months. Some of these thunderstorms can often turn severe, but luckily, they don't last too long. But be aware severe thunderstorms could still produce damaging winds in excess of 70 mph, hail, and a brief tornado, even if it's short in duration.

From May 15th through October 15th, many South Florida locations receive about 70 percent of the average annual rainfall. For example, during the rainy season, on average, Miami International Airport (MIA) receives 44.84 inches of rain. Homestead General Airport, located to the South of MIA, receives around 41 inches of rain during the rainy season.

Other places, like Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, receive about 37.49 inches, and Palm Beach International Airport on average receives 36.30 inches, while places in the southwest portion of South Florida, like Marco Island, receive 37.44 inches. Naples Municipal Airport can get around 36 inches of rain during the rainy season.

Historically speaking, the first month to month and a half is when the most storms occur, with many often turning severe. Once July arrives, there is usually a relative lull as there is often a subtropical high that builds and causes July to be the driest wet month of the season. Note that, the driest wet month. Don't discard July as completely sunny, but just less stormy than the other summer months. The rest of the season is often reign by tropical storms or hurricanes that contribute to the season's rain totals.

Overall, you can blame most of the storm activity on the sea breezes. These are storms that are developed and driven by the breezes coming in from both coasts. The breezes lift the very warm air, developing very strong storms usually after 2 p.m. every afternoon. Storms often reach inland counties, and cities like Gainesville, Orlando, Kissimmee, and the Everglades area in South Florida, but also suburbs like Sunrise, Pembroke Pines, Kendall, and Homestead are affected by daily afternoon strong storms.

These storms reach their peak as the winds begin to diminish and the day’s heating ends. Some storms move back to the coast, either west or east, as the sea breeze weakens and allows them to retract by early evening, and by this time not as strong. Storm totals, due to these daily storms can vary greatly as the sea breeze can set up camp in different areas each day. Often there could be two cities right next to each other with one staying dry and the other one dealing with flooding.

Stay informed throughout the summer about the daily weather report. Although it might sound repetitive, small changes in the wind pattern could bring big forecast results. Keep an umbrella handy and make sure to have at least three ways of receiving weather alerts. Severe thunderstorm warnings could come on short notice, and you should take shelter if one is issued for your location.

Try to plan your trips, vacations, and activities carefully. Always stay aware that it is hurricane season, and storms can really change your plans as tracks are always shifting, and Florida’s shape makes it extra tricky to forecast trajectory. Lastly, stay hydrated. Florida’s summers are brutal. It is easy to become dehydrated. You don’t have to be thirsty to be dehydrated. Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty and try to do it consistently throughout the day.