As Florida's hot weather continues, the tropics remain quiet, in part due to Saharan dust and wind shear.
While the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be very busy, it is not unusual at this time of year to see a lack of activity before the busiest months begin. AccuWeather forecasters predict activity will begin to increase in late July and early August.
➤ Track all active storms
According to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center, there are no disturbances noted on the Tropical Outlook map this morning.
Forecasters are monitoring two tropical waves, one of which is in the Caribbean.
Historically, the peak of hurricane season is from mid-August to mid-October. If you're low on hurricane supplies or you haven't started your emergency kit yet, Florida's next sales tax holiday (end of August) can help you save money.
Heat warning issued for several Florida counties
A high temperature warning means a hazardous situation exists. Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, avoid sunlight and check on relatives and neighbors.
If you must work outside, take frequent breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned area. Anyone exposed to heat should move to a cool area. Heat stroke is an emergency; call 911.
High temperature warning areas issued today include:
- Palm Beach County: The heat index is as high as 110 today.
- Broward County: The heat index is as high as 110 today.
- Miami-Dade County: The heat index is as high as 110 today.
- Escambia County: The heat index is as high as 108 today.
- Santa Rosa County: The heat index is as high as 108 today.
- Washington County: The heat index is as high as 108 today.
Florida weather radar, forecast
- Pensacola: 40% chance of showers. Highs near 90.
- Tallahassee: 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 94.
- Jacksonville: 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 94.
- Daytona Beach: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 90.
- Melbourne: Sunny, with a high near 90.
- Port St. Lucie: 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 92.
- West Palm Beach: 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 87.
- Naples: 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 92.
- Fort Myers: 10% chance of isolated thunderstorms. High 94.
- Sarasota: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. High 90.
How long can the tropics remain calm?
“A lot of dry air and dust is moving out of Africa and across the Atlantic,” AccuWeather chief hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said.
“With the dust and dry air around, it will be difficult for anything to develop over the next 7-10 days. There are signs that towards the end of the month and early August, the dry air may start to weaken and atmospheric conditions look more conducive to tropical developments. “
How likely is it that a hurricane will affect Florida?
“Since we issued our forecast in March, we have been concerned about the increased potential for tropical impacts along the Texas coast, the Florida Panhandle, South Florida and the Carolinas,” Da Silva said.
➤ Will hurricanes hit Florida in the 2024 season?
“We continue to monitor these areas. Everyone living in hurricane areas should always have a hurricane plan ready.
“We're still expecting a very, very busy season,” da Silva said. “Don't let your guard down. Don't be fooled by the lull. We're in the early days of hurricane season. Hurricanes are going to intensify, and likely to intensify very quickly.”
The next storm this season will be Debbie.
Here are the latest updates from the NHC as of 2 p.m. July 17:
What is NOAA tracking for the Atlantic Basin?
The National Hurricane Center said no tropical cyclone activity is expected in the coming days.
Elsewhere in the tropics, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves:
- Tropical Wave 1: A tropical wave in the mid-Atlantic is moving westward at 17 mph.
- Tropical Wave 2: Tropical waves in the eastern Caribbean Sea are moving westward at 11 to 17 mph.
Who might be affected?
Forecasters urge all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and stay prepared. This advice is especially important during what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.
When is the next Florida hurricane duty-free supply holiday?
Save on hurricane supplies from August 24th to September 6th.
Can't afford a generator or a few weeks' worth of food? Here are the basics you should know.
Eligible items included in the tax-free holiday include:
- Portable generators, used to provide lighting or communication during power outages or to preserve food, cost $3,000 or less.
- Tarps or other flexible tarps for $100 or less.
- Often sold or advertised as ground anchor systems or tie-down kits for $100 or less.
- Smoke detectors or smoke alarms for $70 or less.
- Fire extinguishers sold for $70 or less.
- Carbon monoxide detectors are on sale for $70 or less.
- Non-electric food coolers selling for $60 or less.
- Portable power banks for $60 or less.
- Gasoline or diesel fuel tanks priced at $50 or less.
- A portable self-powered radio, two-way radio, or weather band radio for $50 or less.
- A pack of AA batteries, AAA batteries, C batteries, D batteries, 6 volt or 9 volt batteries, excluding car and marine batteries, is sold for $50 or less.
- Portable, self-powered light sources (powered by batteries, solar, hand crank or gas) for $40 or less, including: flashlights, lanterns and candles.
- Qualified light sources and radios qualify for the exemption, even if the cord is included with the purchase.
- Reusable ice (ice packs) for $20 or less.
➤ See the full list of items exempt from sales tax, including pet and cleaning supplies
Florida issues weather watches and warnings
When is the Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30.
When is the peak of hurricane season?
The peak of the season is September 10, with the most activity from mid-August to mid-October, according to the hurricane center.
National Hurricane Center Map: What are forecasters looking at now?
Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:
Interactive map: hurricanes, tropical storms passing near your city
Too much rainfall expected
What's next?
We will continue to update our tropical weather forecast reports daily. Download the local website's app to make sure you're always in the loop with the news. And find our special subscription offers here.
