South Florida will see warmer temperatures and spotty afternoon showers Thursday as the region prepares for a stretch of wet and windy weather that could bring heavy downpours, strong wind gusts and coastal flooding early next week.<\/p>\n
The NEXT Weather team has issued a NEXT Weather Alert for Sunday through Tuesday<\/a>, when widespread rain, gusty winds and king tides<\/a> could combine to create hazardous conditions across parts of South Florida.<\/p>\n Sunday and Monday are expected to bring some of the worst weather, with the potential for flooding and wind gusts reaching 35 mph or higher.<\/p>\n Warmer temperatures and spotty showers Thursday<\/p>\n Thursday morning started relatively quiet across South Florida, although a few showers developed in Broward, including near Oakland Park and Ferncrest Village.<\/p>\n Temperatures were noticeably warmer than Wednesday morning, with most areas waking up in the low 70s instead of the upper 60s.<\/p>\n Miami and Hialeah recorded temperatures near 72 degrees early Thursday, while Kendall was at 71 degrees, Fort Lauderdale at 73 degrees and Pompano Beach at 74 degrees.<\/p>\n A few inland locations could briefly dip into the upper 60s before sunrise.<\/p>\n Afternoon highs are expected to reach the low 80s, with spotty showers developing as northeast winds increase throughout the day.<\/p>\n Winds were already blowing between 7 and 15 mph Thursday morning, with a strengthening onshore flow expected to bring breezier conditions.<\/p>\n Showers could develop around lunchtime and continue into the afternoon, potentially affecting school dismissal in some neighborhoods.<\/p>\n Coastal flooding and dangerous beach conditions<\/p>\n Beachgoers should exercise caution Thursday as a high risk of rip currents makes swimming dangerous along South Florida’s Atlantic beaches.<\/p>\n A small craft advisory is also in effect for Atlantic waters.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, king tides are contributing to an increased risk of coastal flooding.<\/p>\n A coastal flood advisory is in effect for Miami-Dade and Broward counties and the Upper Keys, while a coastal flood statement covers the Middle and Lower Keys.<\/p>\n High tides could bring saltwater flooding to vulnerable coastal communities, particularly in low-lying areas.<\/p>\n The next high tide is expected around 6 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale, with Miami’s high tide occurring later in the morning and Key West’s around 7:30 p.m.<\/p>\n Coastal flooding concerns are expected to increase heading into the weekend as stronger onshore winds combine with the ongoing king tide cycle.<\/p>\n NEXT Weather Alert issued for Sunday through Tuesday<\/p>\n Friday will bring another round of afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with rain coverage expected to increase as the weekend approaches.<\/p>\n Saturday is currently shaping up to be the better of the two weekend days, although scattered thunderstorms remain possible.<\/p>\n Conditions are expected to deteriorate Sunday as more widespread showers, thunderstorms and heavy downpours move across South Florida.<\/p>\n The NEXT Weather team is tracking the potential for moderate to major coastal flooding, particularly as strong northeast winds push additional water toward the coastline during the king tide cycle.<\/p>\n Sunday and Monday are forecast to be the windiest days, with gusts potentially reaching or exceeding 35 mph.<\/p>\n The combination of heavy rainfall and elevated tides could also make it more difficult for water to drain from flood-prone neighborhoods.<\/p>\n Unsettled conditions are expected to continue Tuesday, keeping the NEXT Weather Alert in effect for a third consecutive day.<\/p>\n Forecasters will continue monitoring updated weather models to determine which areas face the greatest risk of flooding and strong winds.<\/p>\n What’s happening in the tropics?<\/p>\n The NEXT Weather team is also monitoring activity in the Atlantic basin.<\/p>\n