Miami started Friday, August 7, with clear skies and temperatures near 79 degrees, but the calm morning will not last. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to build through the morning and early afternoon, while the heat index climbs as high as 104 degrees.
The National Weather Service in Miami expects scattered to numerous storms along the east coast as a disturbance moves across South Florida. Rain chances rise toward midday and peak near 50% early Friday afternoon before the storm focus shifts inland, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms Bring Brief Downpours And Gusty Winds
Friday’s storms could bring localized heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds, with new rainfall amounts generally between a tenth and a quarter of an inch. East winds will run 8 to 12 mph, turning more southeasterly later in the day.
Anyone with outdoor plans should keep an eye on the sky and have a quick route to shelter, especially during the early afternoon. The stormiest weather should ease somewhat Friday evening, though another chance of showers and thunderstorms remains before 5 a.m. Saturday.
Beachgoers Face Dangerous Rip Currents
A rip current statement remains in effect through Saturday morning for coastal Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Swimmers should stay near a lifeguard, avoid fighting the current if caught and float or move parallel to shore until they can safely exit.
Friday night will stay muggy, with a low around 83 degrees and a heat index as high as 101. Saturday brings more sun, a high near 89 and a heat index near 106, with a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly before 2 p.m.
A Hotter, Drier Pattern Builds Next Week
Sunday and Monday will remain mostly sunny and hot, with highs near 89 and only a slight chance of afternoon storms. Tuesday looks sunnier and drier near 90 degrees, followed by highs around 91 on Wednesday and Thursday, with only limited storm chances.
For Miami, the weekend forecast is less about nonstop rain than timing: get beach plans in early, expect a stormy midday window Friday and Saturday, and do not take the rough surf lightly.
