Orlando weather: Rainy pattern continues into Friday ahead of drier, cooler weather

ORLANDO, Fla. - It's been a rainy and dreary day across parts of Central Florida and those rain chances continue Thursday afternoon and evening, though it will not be as widespread as it was the last several days.

Orland and surrounding areas could see storms come through Thursday afternoon. Some spots could see 1"-4" of rain. Looking at the rain totals for the last several days, some areas have received over 6" of rain.

This weekend, it should be drier across Central Florida as drier air moves in, shunting the tropical air down in Cuba.

Looking to early next week, we could see a few showers in the afternoon in spots as showers form in the Atlantic and make their way across the Florida Peninsula. Outside of that, it's looking to be a cooler, breezy, and rather pleasant week.

Temperatures should be in the mid-80s, mostly clear skies, and lower humidity. Rain chances drop to 20% next week. The average high for Central Florida in late September and early October is 88 degrees. 

King Tides

This time of year is also when we see "King Tides," an unscientific term that refers to the exceptionally high tides we may see along Florida's coastline. The impact of those waves can cause coastal flooding.

The full moon arrives Friday, which means tides will also be higher.

There is a moderate risk for rip currents at area beaches near Daytona Beach and Volusia County. 

Tracking The Tropics

Tropical Storm Rina formed Thursday in the Atlantic Ocean. It is not expected to impact Florida. 

Tropical Storm Philippe continues in the Atlantic Ocean but is expected to dissipate over the next few days. 

Due to tropical storms, Rina and Philippe, being relatively close to each other, there is a chance that they may rotate around each other, a weather phenomenon referred to as the "Fujiwhara Effect." It was named after Fujiwara, a Japanese atmospheric scientist who coined the term in the early 20th Century.