Central Florida Braces for Rainy Valentine's Weekend

Storm system expected to bring heavy rainfall, possible thunderstorms, and breezy conditions

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A storm system is set to move through Central Florida this Valentine's Day weekend, bringing periods of heavy rainfall, the potential for thunderstorms, and gusty winds. The worst of the weather is expected to arrive on Sunday evening, with the rain tapering off by early Monday morning. While the front won't bring an excessive temperature drop, it will provide some relief from the recent drought conditions in the region.

Why it matters

This storm system is significant for Central Florida residents and visitors, as it could impact outdoor Valentine's Day plans as well as the NASCAR race scheduled for Sunday afternoon. The region has also been dealing with increasing drought conditions, so the rainfall will be a welcome sight, though the potential for strong thunderstorms raises some concerns.

The details

According to the forecast, the storm system is expected to arrive in Central Florida by Sunday evening, with the heaviest rainfall and potential for thunderstorms occurring between 7 PM Sunday and 5 AM Monday. Prior to the front's passage, winds could gust up to 25 mph out of the southwest, before shifting to the northwest behind the front. While the temperature drop won't be dramatic, morning lows are expected to dip into the upper 40s and low 50s, with afternoon highs in the low to mid 70s on Monday.

  • The storm system is expected to arrive in Central Florida by Sunday evening.
  • The worst of the weather, including heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms, is forecast to occur between 7 PM Sunday and 5 AM Monday.
  • Prior to the front's passage, winds could gust up to 25 mph out of the southwest.
  • Temperatures on Monday morning are expected to dip into the upper 40s and low 50s, with afternoon highs in the low to mid 70s.

The players

Central Florida

The region in Florida that includes the Orlando metropolitan area and surrounding counties, which is set to be impacted by the incoming storm system.

NASCAR

The auto racing organization that is scheduled to hold a race in Central Florida on Sunday afternoon, which could be affected by the weather.

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What they’re saying

“We should be prepared for periods of heavier rainfall, which is truthfully a much-needed blessing around these parts considering the increasing drought conditions.”

— David Nazario, Meteorologist (clickorlando.com)

“Thankfully, it appears the threat for any severe weather continues to diminish as we get closer to the start time for all this.”

— David Nazario, Meteorologist (clickorlando.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system and provide updates on any potential changes to the forecast or weather impacts as the weekend approaches.

The takeaway

This storm system, while not expected to bring an extreme temperature drop, will provide much-needed rainfall to the Central Florida region that has been dealing with drought conditions. However, the potential for thunderstorms and gusty winds could still impact outdoor plans and events, including the upcoming NASCAR race.