Orlando weather: Heavy rain and flood risk across Central Florida through Monday

Heavy rain is forecast across Central Florida, including the Orlando area, through Monday, with forecasters warning of flooding concerns as the rain builds. Local broadcasters have issued a Weather Alert Day for Sunday night and Monday, and a flash flood warning was in effect for Seminole County until 10:30 p.m. The search interest in "weather orlando" reflects growing public attention to the forecast.

Timing of the rain

Forecasters say a warm front is moving through the region, bringing periods of heavier rain. A few isolated showers were possible Sunday morning, but widespread heavy rain was not expected early in the day. Rain chances were set to rise after mid-afternoon, with heavier downpours possible through the evening, overnight and into Monday.

Deep tropical moisture combined with an upper-level disturbance is expected to produce widespread rain overnight and into much of Monday. Additional rain is likely during the Monday morning commute, with the activity slowly breaking up into more scattered showers and storms Monday afternoon and evening.

How much rain is expected

Widespread totals of 1 to 3 inches are forecast, according to WFTV and Yahoo's Central Florida coverage. Some areas, particularly north and west of Orlando, could see 3 to 4 inches. Isolated spots could receive 5 to 7 inches, which local forecasters said could lead to significant flooding, especially where heavy rain has already fallen.

Severe weather is not expected, forecasters said. The concern is isolated flooding, especially in areas that receive repeated rounds of heavy rain.

Warnings and advice for residents

A Flood Watch has been expanded to cover much of the region through Monday afternoon. Forecasters urged residents to be ready for periods of heavy rain, to watch for water-covered roadways and to allow extra travel time, especially during the afternoon and evening commute.

Temperatures are expected to stay relatively steady over the next several days. Unlike a cold front, the warm front is not expected to bring a major temperature change.

What next

Rain chances are expected to remain elevated through Monday before conditions gradually improve. Forecasters said updates would follow through their weather coverage as the Weather Alert Day continues.

Flooding impacts had not been officially reported at the time of writing.