West Palm Beach, FLA. (WPEC) — South Florida is feeling the effects of a tight pressure gradient today, thanks to a weak front that passed through overnight. That’s just a fancy way of saying the difference in air pressure across the region is creating gusty northeasterly winds, especially along the coast, and those winds are stirring up trouble at the beaches.

Dangerous beach and marine conditions persist

If you’re heading to the beach, be extra cautious. Strong rip currents are expected at all east coast beaches, and the risk will stick around through much of the weekend as winds remain elevated. These currents can pull swimmers away from shore quickly, even in seemingly calm water.

Out on the water, hazardous marine conditions continue across the Atlantic waters, where northeasterly swell is interacting with the Gulf Stream current, creating choppy seas. Biscayne Bay and local Gulf waters are also under cautionary conditions, so boaters should check advisories before heading out.

Coastal flooding during high tide

The combination of onshore winds and the approaching new moon, which enhances tides, is leading to minor flooding along the east coast of South Florida. This flooding is most likely to occur within 1.5 to 2 hours of high tide, especially in low-lying areas and along the Intracoastal.

Mostly dry with a temperature split

Despite the breezy conditions, the atmosphere is quite dry. That means rain chances are low, with only a few quick-moving isolated showers possible along the coast early today. Most of the region will stay dry through the afternoon.

Expect the east coast & Lake Okeechobee to see highs in the low to mid 80s.

Looking ahead: breezy weekend, warm start to next week

Saturday will bring slightly lighter winds, but it’ll still be breezy, especially along the coast. The dry air sticks around, keeping rain chances low. By Sunday and Monday, temperatures will climb, with highs reaching the low 90s in southwest Florida and mid to upper 80s along the east coast.

A frontal boundary is expected to arrive Monday, but with limited moisture and instability, it’s not likely to bring much rain. Instead, it will help reinforce the dry air already in place.