Thursday, March 11, 2010 -- 5 a.m.

It is setting up to be a very wet day across Central Florida as the weather pattern becomes even more complex. Deep, southerly flow continues to pump abundant moisture into the peninsula.

As a strong wave of energy moves overhead this afternoon, widespread, heavy rain and strong thunderstorms are likely. Cloudy skies will limit the heating and instability factors, but there is plenty of dynamic forcing aloft in the atmosphere to support storms to become severe.

The main concerns will be damaging, gusty winds and locally flooding rains. Abundant wind shear will also pose a problem, allowing for rotation in some storms. Highs will climb to normal levels, in the mid- to upper 70s.

Tonight, another wave of low pressure develops to our north, keeping high moisture levels in place. The severe threat decreases, but scattered heavy rains are still likely. Low temperatures will be very mild, in the mid- to upper 60s.

Before the area can get a break, the next round of storms moves in by tomorrow afternoon. The early onset of rain will hold temperatures a few degrees cooler, with highs generally in the mid-70s.

More heavy rains and strong storms are likely. Areas south of Orlando will have the risk for an isolated severe storm. Rain totals areawide are expected to reach up to 2 inches, with localized spots receiving 4 or more inches.

Once the associated cold front exits Central Florida by early Saturday, brisk, westerly winds will slowly clear out the region. Fortunately, temperatures will not drop off like they have in the past.

Some clouds will stick around through the weekend, as highs reach the mid-70s and lows drop into the 50s.