Rainfall Cycle - Southwest Florida Water Management District

The rainy season has a significant cultural impact on Central Florida. The region's residents often refer to the rainy season as the "green season," as the increased rainfall brings a vibrant green hue to the landscape. The rain showers also provide a welcome respite from the hot summer sun, making outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and gardening more enjoyable. The rainy season is also a time for festivals and celebrations, with many communities hosting events to mark the beginning of the wet season.

The rainy season in Central Florida is primarily caused by the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a belt of low-pressure systems near the equator. During the summer months, the ITCZ shifts northward, bringing warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico into the region. As this air rises, it cools, and the water vapor condenses, resulting in the formation of clouds and precipitation. Additionally, the warm waters of Lake Okeechobee and the Atlantic Ocean contribute to the development of thunderstorms, which are a hallmark of the rainy season.

1. Phase 1: The Severe Weather Onset (Late May through June)