Hot Temperatures and High Heat Index Values Expected Across North Florida…Flood Warnings Remain in Effect for Many Florida Rivers…Residents Urged to Stay Hydrated and Stay Away From Flood Waters…Moderate Risk of Rip Currents for East Central Florida Beaches…

Updated 8:00 AM EDT Saturday

 

 

Riverine flooding concerns continue along the New River, Carrabelle River, St. Marks and St. Mary’s River, Aucilla River, Myakka River, Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers. Even away from the rivers, flood waters remain across portions of the Florida Big Bend and Suwannee Valley. Some roads remain impassible and ponding of water from sinkholes may flood local areas. Monitor road conditions and be prepared to have an alternate route. Never attempt to cross a flooded roadway. More than half of all flood related fatalities occur from drowning vehicles. . Click here for the latest river forecasts.

A strong area of high pressure over the region will bring a sunny, but oppressively hot day for much of the state. There is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms affecting portions of the Florida Keys and mainland South Florida today, with the possibility of lightning strikes and heavy rainfall, but activity should be isolated in nature. However, conditions are favorable for waterspout development near the Keys, mainly this morning.

 

 

With mostly sunny skies expected, temperatures will climb into the mid and upper 90s this afternoon across many inland areas, with some areas along and north of I-10 reaching or exceeding the 100 degree mark. However, coastal areas will get a reprieve from the worst of the heat courtesy of the sea breeze and should only rise into the upper 80s to low 90s. The combination of high temperatures and gradually increasing humidity will result in heat index values in the 108-112 degree range across inland North Florida and upper 90s to near 100 inc Central and South Florida. As a result, Heat Advisories have been issued for counties along and north of I-10 today. Remember to practice heat safety by staying hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, limiting strenuous outdoor activities in the afternoon and protecting your skin.

 

 

 

At the coast, lingering ocean swells and tidal conditions will once again produce a moderate risk of rip currents at East Central Florida beaches today, especially in Volusia County. All other areas are expected to have a low risk of rip currents today. If you are going to the beach on this sunny day to take a refreshing swim in the ocean, remember to stay near a lifeguard and know how to escape a rip current.

 

 

There are three areas of interest currently being monitored for tropical activity. The remnants of Debby a few hundred miles northeast of Bermuda now have a 0% chance of reformation. A tropical wave in the central Atlantic about 600 miles east of the Windward Islands has a 10% chance of development within the next 48 hours due to currently unfavorable atmospheric conditions. Further west, an area of low pressure is producing disorganized storm activity in the western Gulf of Mexico near Texas. This system has a 0% chance for development and should move inland over Texas over the next day or so.