Based on current conditions, the arrival of rainy season is something to celebrate

Dust off the umbrella, or find a good waterproof hat.

Based on the weather forecast for the remainder of this week, the transition to the rainy season in Southwest Florida is underway.

According to the National Weather Service in Miami, precipitation chances in Naples will be high starting today (70 percent) and it will remain this way through Saturday. Thursday and Friday will be the wettest two days during this stretch with the chance of rain up to 80 percent.

It's important to note that this will be the first significant stretch of rain in Southwest Florida since Sept. 28, 2022 when Hurricane Ian struck the region.

In fact, since September 28th 2022 (the NWS site was without power and non-operational until Oct. 19, 2022 however precipitation totals in the area were estimated) two inches of rain was estimated to have fallen on Oct. 15 2022 at the Naples Airport.

Between then and now, it's been pretty dry. In fact, very below average dry.

Florida's record rainfall:Florida's rainfall record may soon fall. Current record is almost 2 feet over 24 hours

Hazard lights. Yes or no?:Rainy season reminder: Is it legal to drive with hazard lights flashing in Florida?

Thursday (June 1) marks the beginning of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane season so the days are numbered for the drought conditions that currently exist here.

Exactly how much rain will fall this week is difficult to say, but forecasters have called for anywhere from 1 to 3 inches with some places getting four or more inches depending on the storm's intensity.

Despite possible flooding in some locations and general gloominess, the arrival of more rain is good news for Naples and Southwest Florida.

• Total rainfall in 2023 at Naples Airport as of May 31 is 2.57 inches. That's 7.53 below normal.
• The Most rainfall in one day so far in 2023 at Naples Airport is 0.65 inches on April 16.