OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Stormy weather is expected to stick around in Ocala through the beginning of the week, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and frequent lightning. While the rain offers some relief, recent dry conditions have made the area more vulnerable to fires sparked by lightning strikes. The National Weather Service says storms will likely continue into Monday, and residents should be prepared for the potential of localized flooding and dangerous fire conditions.

On Saturday afternoon, firefighters responded to a brush fire off SW 32nd Street near SW 7th Avenue in Ocala. Officials believe it was started by a lightning strike, made worse by the dry weather leading up to the weekend. Crews were able to get the fire under control before it spread to nearby homes, but it serves as a reminder of how quickly storms can turn dangerous. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, follow burn bans, and report any signs of smoke or fire right away.

Here’s your day-by-day outlook from the National Weather Service.

Monday: Showers and thunderstorms before 1 p.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. High near 81. South wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Monday Night: A 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 10 p.m. Patchy fog after 3 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 65. South wind 3 to 6 mph.

Tuesday: Patchy fog before 7 a.m. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 84. Southwest wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 91.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 93.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69.

Get your 352 weather info here anytime you need it or download our free app. Be sure to enable the weather alert to receive notifications to your cellphone. 

More news that matters to you…