Weekend Factor

Cold fronts typically don't invade South Florida with allot of punch this time of year, we usually see that happening by next month. We are, however, watching a front with some legs to it that may reach us this weekend and could cool us down just a bit.

Things are changing rapidly in relation to the front, at times it appears like it may clear us by Saturday - at others , it looks as if it may get hung up somewhere over Lake Okeechobee. So two things can happen:

Scenario 1 - Front slides in on Saturday with plenty of clouds & rain moving out by Sunday. In this case, we will see more sunshine Sunday afternoon with pleasant temps and a bit cooler for Monday morning. You could be waking up to lows in the low 60's.

Scenario 2- Front slides in on Saturday with plenty of clouds and rain staling over the area. In this case, the clouds will stick around for Sunday with still another chance of showers.

In either case, by the start of your work week highs will be a little lower and nigh time lows will be a little cooler .

A by product of the strong easterly winds we have seen lately is Rip Currents. This is what your local National Weather office advises you to do when caught in a rip current.

When at the beach:

• Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
• Never swim alone.
• Learn how to swim in the surf. It's not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
• Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
• Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
• Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
• Pay especially close attention to children and elderly when at the beach. Even in shallow water, wave action can cause loss of footing.
  

If caught in a rip current:

• Remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
• Never fight against the current.
• Think of it like a treadmill that cannot be turned off, which you need to step to the side of.
• Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle--away from the current--towards shore.
• If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
• If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arm and yelling for help.
  

If you see someone in trouble, don't become a victim too:

• Get help from a lifeguard.
  If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.
  Throw the rip current victim something that floats--a life jacket, a cooler, an inflatable ball.
  Yell instructions on how to escape.
  Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.