West Palm Beach, FLA. (WPEC) — After days of scattered storms and tropical moisture, South Florida is finally getting a break. A much drier air mass is building into the region today, and it looks like we’ll enjoy mostly dry conditions through midweek, a welcome change for anyone tired of dodging afternoon downpours.
What’s driving the change?
A mid-level area of low pressure, which is a pocket of cooler air and lower pressure high up in the atmosphere, is parked over the Southeast U.S., helping to steer a deep trough (a dip in the jet stream) across Florida and the eastern Gulf. At the surface, low pressure off the Carolina coast is pulling away, and high pressure is building in from the north. That setup is funneling northwest winds into South Florida, bringing in drier air and lowering humidity.
Today, moisture values are dropping, a clear sign that the atmosphere is drying out.
Marine and beach hazards continue
Even with the rain tapering off, poor beach and boating conditions are still a concern today, especially along the Palm Beaches and northern Atlantic waters. A lingering northerly swell is keeping rip currents and rough surf in play through this afternoon. If you’re heading to the beach, use caution and check with lifeguards before entering the water.
Next Weather Maker: pleasant and seasonable conditions continue
Tonight, winds will shift slightly to the north-northeast, and cooler air will continue to settle in. Expect overnight lows in the mid to upper 60s inland, and low 70s along the coast.
Monday and Tuesday will stay mostly dry, with just a slight chance of a brief shower in southeastern areas. Highs will range from the mid 80s near Lake Okeechobee to the upper 80s across the rest of South Florida.
By midweek, high pressure strengthens, and northeast winds may pick up, especially along the coast. That could bring breezy conditions on Wednesday. Rain chances remain low, but a few isolated showers could return late in the week as moisture slowly increases.
