Sunday, July 26 is starting off thick and sticky in Miami, with Miami International Airport clocking in around 82°F and dew points near 77°F. In plain English, the air already feels oppressive before breakfast. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to fire up after 9 a.m., then build through the afternoon into early evening, with a high near 89°F and heat index values pushing as high as 103°F. Because storms are likely to crawl instead of race through, brief but heavy downpours could trigger urban or poor drainage flooding in some spots.
Afternoon Downpours Could Flood Streets
Forecasters are calling for slow moving storms capable of dumping rain fast, with new rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible in stronger cells across the east coast metro. That kind of rain, on that kind of timetable, raises the odds for localized street flooding and short travel delays. The most significant rain is expected from mid afternoon into early evening on Sunday, July 26.
Meteorologists at the National Weather Service Miami are reminding drivers to steer clear of flooded roadways and to be ready for intermittent lightning and erratic winds near stronger storms. In other words, this is not the afternoon to see how deep that intersection puddle really is.
Heat And Where To Cool Off
Even with those afternoon storms, the overall pattern stays stubbornly hot, with highs stuck in the upper 80s to low 90s through the week. Humidity will keep apparent temperatures above 100°F, and Monday's heat index could top 105°F in some inland neighborhoods.
If you do not have reliable air conditioning, the City of Miami and Miami Dade maintain a network of cooling centers during heat season. Check the City of Miami for locations and hours. Simple moves like bringing water, shifting strenuous activity to early morning or evening, and checking on vulnerable neighbors are smart precautions this week.
This Week At A Glance
Afternoon pop up storms will be a daily feature through midweek as a more westerly low level flow funnels deep moisture into South Florida. Gusty southwest winds of 10 to 18 mph are possible at times, especially Tuesday and Wednesday. Overnight lows will linger in the upper 70s, so the humidity will not offer much of a nighttime break.
If you are planning outdoor events, aim for morning or evening and keep an eye on forecast updates. The storms will not hit everyone at once, but when they do hit, they could be loud, wet, and briefly disruptive.
What To Do
For immediate safety, if you hear thunder or see lightning, head indoors and avoid standing water. If you run into flooded roads, turn around and do not drown. Keep your phone charged, stay tuned to local alerts, and build in extra time for travel this afternoon and evening in case the sky decides to open up right over your commute.
