West Palm Beach, FLA. (WPEC) — If you’ve been dodging afternoon downpours lately, you’re not alone, and the pattern isn’t letting up just yet. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected again today, especially during the afternoon and early evening hours when the atmosphere is most unstable and primed for storm development.
These storms could bring locally heavy rainfall, especially along the east coast metro areas. That’s where the ground is already saturated from recent rain, and if multiple storms roll through the same spot in a short time, urban flooding, where streets and low-lying areas flood quickly, becomes a real concern. There is a flood watch in effect for Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie Counties.
Coastal flooding and surf hazards persist
The Coastal Flood Advisory for the our east coast metro areas through this morning’s high tide, and a Coastal Flood Statement will take over through Saturday. That means minor to moderate flooding is still expected during high tide cycles, especially in vulnerable areas along the coast and Intracoastal waterways.
The rip current risk remains high, and rough surf is expected to continue, where waves could reach 5 to 7 feet. If you’re heading to the beach, stay out of the water unless lifeguards say it’s safe.
Winds picking up, front approaching
A cold front is slowly working its way south through Florida and is expected to reach Central Florida by tonight. Ahead of it, northeast winds are strengthening, with gusts up to 30 mph possible today and tomorrow.
This front is part of a larger weather system that’s helping funnel deep tropical moisture into South Florida, which is why rain chances are so high.
A taste of fall is coming
Behind the front, we’ll finally get a break from the muggy, stormy pattern. Starting tomorrow night and into next week, drier and cooler air will settle in across the region. This is thanks to a shift in the upper-level pattern that will allow a more stable airmass to move in.
Expect highs in the low to mid 80s, and overnight lows dipping into the mid to upper 60s inland, with low 70s near the coast. It’s not sweater weather just yet, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction for fall lovers.
