Miami is starting Thursday cloudy and around 81 degrees, but the quiet opening will not last. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become widespread through the morning and afternoon, with a high near 86 and a 90% chance of rain.
Heavy Rain Could Flood Low-Lying Streets
The National Weather Service expects rain throughout Thursday, with the heaviest coverage likely during the afternoon. Storms could drop three-quarters to 1 inch of rain, with higher amounts possible in slower-moving downpours and a risk of localized flooding.
East winds will run 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. The National Weather Service is warning residents not to drive through flooded roadways, particularly near the coast and other low-lying areas.
Beach Hazards Continue Through Saturday
A high risk of rip currents remains in effect along Atlantic beaches in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties through Saturday evening. Minor coastal flooding is also possible around high tide Thursday, when water may spill onto low-lying roads and property.
Beachgoers should swim near a lifeguard and stay out of the water if conditions turn rough. Anyone caught in a rip current should float, avoid swimming directly against it, and signal for help if they cannot move toward shore.
Storm Chances Ease Before Returning Next Week
Friday should be partly sunny with a high near 88, but a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms remains, along with heat index values as high as 104. Saturday brings another high near 88 and a 50% storm chance.
The unsettled pattern is expected to return Monday and Tuesday, when storm coverage increases across South Florida. Tuesday is also expected to be unsettled.
