The rising air is loaded with water vapor. As it shoots into the colder upper atmosphere, the vapor condenses into a skyscraper of a cloud: the cumulonimbus. In less than 30 minutes, a clear blue sky turns into a dark, purple-gray ceiling. The wind dies, then returns in a gust. The temperature drops 15 degrees.

So, when is the rainy season in Florida? It is the story of summer itself: from roughly (late May through late October). But knowing the dates is only half the tale. The real story is the rhythm of the state. You learn to wake up early for the beach, carry a folding umbrella in your back pocket at noon, and never, ever question the 3 p.m. deluge.