Ernesto becomes a Hurricane

Posted by Brent Cameron

Ernesto was a moderate to strong Tropical Storm while cruising across the Caribbean over recent days.  Now, prior to landfall, it has become the season's second Hurricane.   As of this writing, Ernesto is offshore from the Yucatan Peninsula.   Flooding along with mudslides will be among serious concerns as the system moves inland, into Wednesday.   The core of the Hurricane is relatively small (hurricane force winds extend outward about 35 miles) but tropical storm force winds extend out almost 150 miles.  Rainfall amounts will range greatly: generally from 4 to 8 inches (but up to 12 inches possible in isolated spots).   We'll see how much "punch" Ernesto loses over land during the day, on Wednesday. Mexico will then watch for a possible second strike, on the Mainland, a couple days from now. 

Ernesto is the one and only system that's classified in the tropics at this point.  Later this week, there's a slight chance of another feature organizing.  A couple tropical waves in the distant Atlantic have existing low pressure... but conditions are not favorable for rapid development.  

Locally, tropical moisture has been thinning out.  With drier air in place it will be difficult to find much rain around.  Chances for showers remain low over the next couple days... with some lingering haze.  Another push of deeper moisture is expected to arrive prior to the weekend.  If that happens, we'll probably see the familiar daytime storms popping-up again. 

By the way, since our pattern consists of an onshore air flow, there's an ongoing threat for rip currents at all Atlantic beaches.

Brent Cameron

Signs of Summer

Posted by Brent Cameron

Recent days have featured higher humidity levels and (like it or not) our steamy air will likely stick around... for a very long time!   The official start of the summer season is a full month away.  Just the same, south Florida appears to be getting our usual "head start" on summer type weather... NOW. 

Seasonal Weekend Heat

Posted by Phil Ferro

Our Weekend Warm-up

We were spoiled with a mild start to the week as the air was drier and the highs were below normal. Over the next few days, it will be hot with more humidity as we reach seasonal afternoon heat. The dome of warm air that has not budged will bring the peak heat of the upper 80s with a chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms over the next few days.

Seasonal Weekend Heat

Posted by Phil Ferro

Our Weekend Warm-up

Get ready for a "Feels-like" summer weekend. We'll see a little of everything:

Heat Humidity Sunshine And some afternoon storms Expect temps to reach the upper 80's (Typical is 87°) both Saturday and Sunday. And of course, there will be a chance for showers and inland storms as well. 

Back to Summer-like Heat

Posted by Phil Ferro

Good-bye mild weather:

I hope you've enjoyed our recent mild temps teamed up with drier air. A dome of warm air will push the mercury readings into the ballpark of our 87° average over the next couple of days. A cold front sweeping to the north will add more clouds to the scenery with a slight chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms into next week.