Storm Team Thursday morning forecast (07/04/2013)

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue to make this July 4th a soggy one. Expect an 80% chance of rain all afternoon and into the evening hours, as the Panhandle and Big Bend continue to receive tropical moisture pushed in from the Gulf of Mexico. Winds from the southeast will cause the moisture to interact with a stationary front parked over the Florida Panhandle. The cloud cover and rainfall will limit afternoon peak temperatures, keeping them in the lower to mid 80s through North Florida into southern Georgia. The showers and storms affecting the region will be capable of producing heavy downpours and gusty winds. Beach conditions are not looking favorable either. A small craft advisory is in effect until the late hours of the night, along with rough waters. There is also a high risk of rip currents at Big Bend and Panhandle beaches. Be sure to heed warnings posted at beaches and lifeguard stations. There is good news though. Rain chances will slowly decrease into the weekend. With drier conditions expected, afternoon temperatures will approach the lower to mid 90s by the onset of the next week.