Tropic Watch

Posted by Brent Cameron

There are two main weather features we'll need to watch out for as the week rounds-out.   The first of these is a tropical wave that extends across Cuba and the Bahamas.  The wave axis is significant in length... from the Caribbean northward into the Atlantic Ocean.  Then, the associated moisture extends well to the east (keeping weather conditions unsettled across many of the island nations in the Caribbean).   We'll be paying attention to the progress of the wave and a big batch of tropical moisture.  Our local forecast for the weekend depends on the proximity of the tropical wave and the associated airmass.   In addition to the wave, we're also keeping tabs on distant Tropical Depression Five.  It has a good chance of strengthening into Tropical Storm Ernesto as the week continues.  Regardless of that potential, we'll have many days to monitor it.   The National Hurricane Center predicts a general track to the west or west-northwest.  The tropical system will probably impact the Windward Islands on Friday (where there are tropical storm watches in effect).  The longer-range forecast track takes the system into the eastern Caribbean Sea during the weekend.  The 5-day track, then, continues it... basically the length of the Caribbean with a gradual increase in strength.  There is also a chance it could become a low-end hurricane in the vicinity of the northwest Caribbean (in several days).

Recently, we've simply had some typical afternoon thunderstorms.  Looking ahead, there's a good chance we'll see more numerous rounds of rain with thunder as the week ends.   Be prepared for tropical-type downpours with gusty winds.  You may need to adjust your outdoor plans.  Stay tuned and watch for changing sky conditions. 

Brent Cameron

Hurricane Season Outlook

Posted by Phil Ferro

2013 NHC Forecast   And so it begins. With the release of NOAA's seasonal outlook, I officially ramp up the Tropical Blog for 2013. This is what NOAA says we can expect for the 6-month season, which gets underway June 1.  

It's Official...

Posted by Brent Cameron

It shouldn't come as a surprise, (but yes) the start of the south Florida "rainy season" has begun!   According to the National Weather Service, the start date officially began on Saturday May 18, close to the median start of May 20.  Our rainy season lasts for 5-months, ending around the third week of October. 

Still On Flood Watch

Posted by Phil Ferro

Wet and Soggy Work Week

Clouds with hints of sunshine will be the routine over the next couple of days. The push of more warm, moist air will amp up the instability over South Florida tonight bringing a chance for heavy rain. A Flood Watch is in effect for the Miami-Dade and Broward Counties until 10pm. An area of low pressure sweeping to the north will keep a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms at the start of the weekend.

Flood Watch

Posted by Vivian Gonzalez

Almost 9 inches of rain have been reported in portions of South Florida in the last 12-15 hours. Street flooding of urban areas due to poor drainage and saturated soils with additional rains expected today will make streets impassible. Therefore, the National Weather Service has a flood watch in effect for coastal and metro Broward and Miami-Dade until 10pm.