TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Slow moving tropical downpours moved onshore in Pinellas and Manatee counties this afternoon, dropping between 1-5 inches of rain within a matter of an hour or two, prompting a Flood Advisory through the evening. Ponding of water on the roadways and minor, temporary flooding is expected in some areas through 6:30 p.m.

The rain will begin to fade between 8-9 p.m. and we will be cloudy and mild overnight. Temperatures will be in the low 70s under mostly cloudy skies.

We have similar chances for widespread, slow-moving tropical downpours on Thursday afternoon into the evening hours. We are monitoring an area of low pressure over the Gulf that is slowly drifting our way and eventually will cross the state and into the Atlantic. The NHC is monitoring the area for potential tropical development, placing a 20% chance for it to develop further.

Whether it develops or whether it down not, its impact on us would be the same either way. Expect higher rain chances and gusty winds at times through Saturday. The system has a slightly better chance of organizing once it enters the Atlantic Ocean.

Some parts of Tampa Bay may pick up 2-4 inches of rain through the week, which is much-needed for our drought situation. The heavy rain is even possible along our beaches, which have missed out on much of the earlier rain we have gotten this season.

As the low heads into the Atlantic, our rain chances drop significantly on Sunday. Drier air arrives, and it may feel less humid for Monday and Tuesday of next week.