Rain and Cooler Air in Store for the Southeast and Florida

While Sara did not shape up to be the threat to the U.S. that forecasters had once feared, it does not mean that the mainland is going to dodge its impacts completely. What is left of the former hurricane will continue to menace parts of the eastern Gulf Coast and Florida in the next day or two. The heavy rain associated with Sara's remnants will precede the coldest air thus far this season for the Southeast and beyond. Here is what you need to know about this chilly and wet forecast.

Sara to Send Heavy Rain Across Southeastern U.S. Ahead of Chilly Air

After quickly intensifying in the Caribbean Sea last week, Sara came ashore in Central America and again in southeastern Mexico over the weekend. This part of the Atlantic basin saw the worst of Sara's impacts, triggering flooding and mudslides across the region. Rainfall measured in feet poured down across Honduras, displacing thousands of residents and forcing several water rescues.

While the system was able to hold together as it moved into the Gulf of Mexico, it eventually devolved into a shell of its former self. The cooler waters present in the northern Gulf of Mexico worked to weaken Sara's remains as it approached the U.S. It is now just a cluster of rain showers and thunderstorms as it moves across the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Despite the weakening, the Gulf Coast has still picked up significant moisture out of Sara. New Orleans has seen over 2 inches of rain since late Monday thanks to the moisture associated with this weather maker. The heaviest of the rain moved to the east late Tuesday, sending the focus of the precipitation toward the upper Gulf Coast. By Wednesday, the center of the moisture will be trained over Florida.

While the arrival of the heavy bands of rain will undoubtedly spoil some beach plans, the precipitation is good news for the interior Southeast. This part of the country has been under a prevailing dry pattern since Helene ravaged the region almost two months ago. In addition to the ongoing drought conditions, the eastern U.S. is also dealing with a higher risk of brush fires due to the lack of rainfall.

It has been particularly dry in Atlanta. Before Sara's moisture arrived on Tuesday, the metro area had only recorded 1 inch of rain since the end of September. This compares to the historical average of about 6 inches. Mobile, Alabama has also been especially dry this fall with the city only seeing approximately one-third of the normal amount of rainfall since the beginning of the season.

The moisture coming along with Sara will work to ease some of the dry conditions. But forecasters are also warning that the urban flooding may be an issue in poor drainage areas.

What to Expect in Florida