WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Dangerous heat will remain South Florida’s biggest weather concern this weekend, with a Heat Advisory in effect today before Saharan dust brings even drier conditions on Sunday.
The Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. as temperatures climb into the low to mid-90s. Combined with high humidity, it will feel between 105 and 110 degrees across much of the region. Anyone spending extended time outdoors should stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.
Scattered showers and thunderstorms will provide some temporary relief this afternoon, primarily across inland and Southwest Florida. Sea breezes—winds moving inland from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts—will provide the main trigger for storms before activity fades around sunset.
Beachgoers will also need to use caution. A moderate risk of rip currents is expected along the Atlantic coast today. Swimmers should stay near lifeguards and avoid entering the water alone.
Read more about the two areas with development chances in the tropics.
Sunday brings an increase in Saharan dust, a layer of hot, dry and dusty air that travels thousands of miles across the Atlantic from Africa. The accompanying dry air will make it much harder for thunderstorms to develop, leaving most of South Florida dry and allowing temperatures to climb quickly.
Dangerous heat will remain South Florida’s biggest weather concern this weekend, with a Heat Advisory in effect today before Saharan dust brings even drier conditions on Sunday. (WPEC)
Only a few afternoon thunderstorms are expected Sunday, mainly across the interior and around Lake Okeechobee. Highs will reach the low to mid-90s across the metro areas and could approach the upper 90s inland. Heat index values may once again reach advisory levels, meaning additional Heat Advisories could be needed.
The Saharan dust is expected to linger into the first half of next week, keeping rain chances unusually low while providing little relief from the persistent heat.
There is not much relief in sight for the above-average temperatures either. High pressure will remain in control through most of this week. The current high temperature forecast across the area this upcoming week are near-or-above current record high temperatures.
Dangerous heat will remain South Florida’s biggest weather concern this weekend, with a Heat Advisory in effect today before Saharan dust brings even drier conditions on Sunday. (WPEC)