Current Weather Outlook
Statewide weather outlook from Florida Division of Emergency Management MeteorologySaturday, July 11, 2020
...Heat Wave Grips the State...Feels Like Temperatures of 105-112 Expected...Scattered to Numerous Showers and Thunderstorms Expected, Mainly in Northeast Florida & Peninsula...Strong to Briefly Severe Storms Possible With Gusty Winds, Small Hail, Frequent Lightning, and Heavy Downpours...High Rip Current Risk Along Many West Coast Beaches...
Updated at 9:27 A.M. EDT
Today's Weather:
Isolated showers and thunderstorms are ongoing this morning along the West Coast. A weak cold front will move into the Panhandle and Big Bend this afternoon, but will stop near the I-10 corridor. This will bring some drier air into the Panhandle and Big Bend, which will help squash rain chances to 20% or less in these areas. Northeast Florida will see some scattered thunderstorms (40-60%) this afternoon and evening. The Peninsula will have the best rain chances today (50-70%). In general, thunderstorms will develop late this morning and continue through the evening hours. Strong to briefly severe storms could contain gusty winds, small hail, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours this afternoon and evening. Storms will slowly fade late this evening, but scattered showers and storms may redevelop near the coast during the overnight and pre-dawn hours.
The heat wave continues today. Highs will rise into the lower to middle 90s for the Peninsula and middle 90s to near 100 in North Florida. However, it will feel like 102-110 for most areas today. Heat Advisories are in effect for much of North and West Central Florida, where heat index values of 108-112 are expected. This heat is dangerous, and you should use extreme caution if working outside. Take frequent breaks in air conditioning, stay out of the direct sunlight, keep hydrated, and wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes. The heat index can be 10-20 degrees hotter in direct sunlight and over open pavement. Lows tonight will not provide much relief as temperatures only settle into the middle 70s to lower 80s for much of the state.
Flash Flooding: Storms today could produce 1-3” of rain in a short period of time resulting in areas of brief street flooding anywhere in the state.
Hydrology: All rivers and streams are below flood stage. A few river gauges across the state are in action stage, but will remain below flood stage. Forecast rainfall today will not significantly impact river levels. For more information on specific rivers, please visit the Southeast River Forecast Center here.
Coastal Flooding: Coastal flooding is not expected.
Lake Okeechobee’s average elevation is 12.42 feet, which is 1.12 feet below normal for this time of year. Lake levels will continue to rise due to recent and forecasted rainfall.
Rip Currents: West to southwest winds will result in a high rip current risk for West Coast beaches from Pinellas to Lee County and a moderate risk for Bay and Gulf Counties. All other beaches will have a low risk. Wave heights will be 1-3’ statewide. For the latest Rip Current Outlook, visit www.weather.gov/beach.
Marine Hazards: Red Tide has not been observed at significant levels at any Florida beaches. Other algae blooms have been detected, particularly in Southwest Florida, but it is not toxic, only patchy, and is seasonal.
Tropics: Fay has weakened and become post-tropical over eastern New York. No other tropical development is expected. For more information regarding the tropics please visit www.hurricanes.gov.
