For those of you planning a trip to the beach or hoping to enjoy some boating off the coast, you might want to rethink your Sunday plans. The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a forecast that isn't ideal for these activities. Rain, wind, and rip currents are on the menu in Volusia and Brevard Counties, as scattered showers and isolated storms are forecast today, according to their latest update.
Winds are particularly gusty along the coast. They are expected to be as gusty as yesterday for much of the area. However, Volusia's coast will see breezes with gusts up to 25-30 mph this afternoon. Boating conditions are poor to hazardous, not just for boaters, but also for beachgoers, with a High Risk for rip currents issued at area beaches. So, heading inland might be your best bet if you're looking to stay dry or if you have beachside plans.
Temperatures will be a bit cooler than usual, with expected highs in the mid to upper 80s and lows in the low 70s. Some areas could even see temperatures dipping into the upper 60s. The NWS Melbourne warns of possible occasional to frequent lightning strikes and locally heavy rainfall of 1-3 inches in storms that develop, so it's best to keep an eye on the sky.
Looking ahead into the week, the low-pressure system isn't going anywhere fast. Across central Florida, drier air will continue to build into the area as low-level flow continues out of the N/NE, meaning a reprieve from rain with only 20-30 percent chances of showers into the workweek. But the forecast isn't perfect. By late week, the increase in moisture may result in heavier rainfall and minor flooding issues, especially southeast of the I-4 corridor.
For those with flight plans, the aviation forecast suggests scattered showers and isolated storms could affect flight paths, though widespread disruptions aren't anticipated. General VFR conditions are expected outside of convection, but it's still something to watch. The area's aviators should be aware of changes and possible MVFR CIGs this morning, especially along the coast, states the advisory.
Finally, mariners should heed the warnings—northerly winds up to 15 knots, seas 3 to 5 feet, and the Small Craft Advisory for Brevard and Volusia County waters should not be ignored. While conditions may improve early in the week, an ounce of caution on the water is worth a pound of cure.
