While the National Hurricane Center continues to believe there will be no tropical activity in the Atlantic next week, forecasters observed Saharan dust and some tropical waves on Saturday.
The real impact on Florida on Saturday will come from the heat. Heat indices are expected to reach triple digits across the Florida peninsula, with some areas of Southwest Florida expected to reach 110 degrees and as far north as Jacksonville to hit 106 degrees. Heat warnings are in effect for seven South Florida counties.
A plume of Saharan dust is expected to arrive in South Florida on Saturday morning and move north, arriving around Cape Canaveral on Sunday. The dust is expected to be thickest in South Florida and dissipate as it moves north.
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Tropical moisture could increase rain chances across Florida starting Monday, but the rain won't be organized, according to WeatherTiger chief meteorologist Ryan Truchelut. Saharan dust, high wind shear and other factors are expected to keep the tropics quiet in the coming days.
The hurricane center is monitoring three tropical waves.
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.
Possible effects of tropical waves on Florida
A tropical wave is expected to approach the Florida Peninsula on Sunday, bringing heavy downpours and gusty thunderstorms. Several waterspouts are possible, according to AccuWeather.
“As the tropical wave approaches and moves northwest across the state Sunday into Tuesday, there will be an increase in showers and thunderstorms, some of which could bring flooding downpours, strong wind gusts and even near beaches,” AccuWeather's chief hurricane officer said. Waterspout.
The tropical wave is not expected to develop into a tropical depression or tropical storm.
Florida Weather Radar: Track storms moving across state lines
How long can the tropics remain calm?
Saharan dust and winds are keeping the tropics quiet for now, but forecasters say that could change.
“Favorable conditions for beryl production are likely to return sometime in August, which could lead to continued bursts of hurricane activity,” said WeatherTiger Chief Meteorologist Dr. Ryan Truchelut.
“WeatherTiger’s real-time forecast is still about double the normal hurricane season storm activity.”
The next storm this season will be Debbie.
Extreme heat continues in Florida. View weather watches, warnings
Parts of Southeast, South and Southwest Florida: Head index is expected to be 105-110 today.
Counties under heat warnings include:
- space
- Hendry
- palm beach county
- Collier County
- broward county
- miami-dade county
- monroe
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 three tropical waves. As of 8 a.m. on July 20, the latest news released by NHC is as follows:
- Tropical Wave 1: Waves in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean identified through satellite imagery. It is producing some showers.
- Tropical Wave 2: The wave was detected in the central Caribbean and is expected to move from the Windward Passage to northern Colombia and contribute to the movement of water between Hispaniola and regional waters as well as through the Windward Passage and between eastern Cuba and Mexico. The waters produced scattered heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms. These storms can produce heavy downpours, lightning and gusty winds.
- Tropical Wave 3: Another tropical wave over the Yucatan Peninsula and Guatemala is moving westward, producing scattered showers and the potential for gusty winds or stronger storms in parts of the region.
Who might be affected?
A tropical wave is expected to bring tropical moisture to Florida starting Sunday.
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
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.
