Dense smoke from a wildfire burning in Big Cypress National Preserve shut down a key stretch of I‑75 overnight, turning Alligator Alley into a no‑go zone between SR‑29 (Exit 80) and US‑27 (Exit 23) and tangling the cross‑peninsula commute. While Miami woke up to mostly clear skies and mid‑60s, the metro is expected to warm into the mid‑70s Thursday with a slight chance of afternoon showers. Officials caution that pockets of smoke could still hang near roadways this morning, making visibility hit‑or‑miss on more rural stretches.
Big Cypress Fire And Smoke
The wildfire, known to fire managers as the "National Fire," is generating thick smoke and has led to area closures, according to the National Park Service. Park officials report that smoke is affecting major corridors, including I‑75, State Road 29 and the Tamiami Trail, and warn that temporary road closures may be put in place if visibility worsens. Residents near Collier and Broward counties should be ready for smoky patches and are urged to keep an eye on park alerts.
Road Closures And Travel
Florida Highway Patrol troopers shut Alligator Alley from Exit 80 to Exit 23 because of poor visibility in heavy smoke and monitored conditions through the night, according to the National Weather Service. Drivers who have to cross the Everglades are being steered to alternate routes such as SR‑29, US‑27 or US‑41, and are advised to use low‑beam headlights and budget extra time for delays. Emergency crews also urge motorists to slow down, avoid passing in smoky zones and watch for stopped vehicles or fire equipment along the roadway.
Today And This Weekend
Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Miami call for mostly sunny skies early Thursday with a high near 76°F, then a slight chance of showers after 1 p.m. Lows will be near 71°F Thursday night. Temperatures are expected to edge toward 80°F on Friday, with odds of showers and isolated thunderstorms increasing into the weekend and the highest rain chances on Saturday. Any storms that pop up Friday or Saturday could briefly kick up gusty winds, so outdoor events should have a fallback plan.
Beaches And Safety
Atlantic beaches from Palm Beach to Broward remain under a high rip‑current risk through this evening, so swimmers are urged to stay in lifeguarded areas and heed posted flags. Inland, smoky conditions can also dent air quality, and people with breathing issues are advised to cut back on time outdoors and follow local air‑quality advisories. For the latest on closures and travel, officials recommend checking park and traffic updates before heading out.
Legal Implications
Big Cypress has closed parts of the preserve south of I‑75 and east of SR‑29 while firefighting continues, and entering those closed areas is prohibited and may be enforced. Drivers who ignore roadblocks risk civil penalties and put fire crews in danger, so authorities stress following FHP and park instructions until restrictions are lifted. For background on the situation and earlier coverage, see our smoky morning drive report.
