Miami is waking up to clear skies over Miami International Airport and a sticky 81°F start, but the calm look is a bit of a fake-out. Forecasters are calling for highs near 88°F on Sunday, May 31, and Monday, June 1, with the heat index climbing into the low 100s. The real headline for the metro today is a surge of afternoon thunderstorms that could dump heavy rain in a hurry and trigger pockets of localized flooding.
Afternoon Storms
Showers could start popping by early afternoon, with the most likely window for storms between about 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 31. The National Weather Service pegs the probability of precipitation near 60% and notes that some cells may deliver quick, efficient downpours. Forecast guidance calls for new rainfall totals of a quarter to a half inch in most spots, but slow-moving storms over the same neighborhood could briefly drop 2 to 4 inches in isolated cases. Those heavier bursts are the ones most likely to spark urban flash flooding and short-term road closures this afternoon.
Heat And Timing
High temperatures hold near 88°F both Sunday and Monday, and with dew points running high it may feel more like 100 to 101°F during the hottest part of the day. Overnight, readings only slip into the upper 70s to around 80°, so there is not much of a cooldown across the metro. If you do not have air conditioning, Miami-Dade County lists public cooling sites with locations and hours.
Plan Ahead
Be ready for brief, intense downpours that can quickly cut visibility and create standing water on main roads during the evening drive. If possible, plan outdoor activities for the morning or later in the evening, when storm chances dip. Drivers should avoid standing water and treat low-lying streets with extra caution, and anyone hosting an outdoor event should keep a backup plan in their pocket. For more context on this run of unsettled, steamy weather, see Miami steams in swampy heat.
Marine And Beaches
Coastal waters are expected to stay mostly on the calmer side today, but scattered thunderstorms over the Atlantic could kick up choppier conditions and pockets of heavy rain near shore. Boaters and beachgoers should keep an eye on the sky for fast-developing storms and be alert to any changes in surf and rip-current risk, especially from late afternoon into early evening.
