Saharan dust from the east is expected to arrive in South Florida today, bringing dry air, according to the National Weather Service in Miami.
Don't expect dust to reach the West Coast ahead of showers and storms.
This dust helps keep the tropics quiet. Dust and wind shear help prevent storms from developing and intensifying.
➤ Track all active storms
According to the latest report from the National Hurricane Center, there are no disturbances highlighted on this morning's Tropical Outlook map.
Forecasters are monitoring three tropical waves, including one in the Caribbean Sea.
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 warnings have been issued for some Florida counties. Heat index could reach 112
Meanwhile, heat warnings continue to be issued for parts of Florida. Here is today’s expected heat index:
- Collier County: 107-112
- Duval County: 110
- Escambia County: 108.
- East Central Florida: 102-107
- South Florida: 100-105
- Lee County: 104
- Sarasota County: 103
What else is in the forecast for Florida today?
- Pensacola: 30% chance of showers. High 90.
- Tallahassee: 70% chance of thunderstorms. The high is near 94.
- Jacksonville: 70% chance of thunderstorms. High 95.
- Daytona Beach: 50% chance of showers. High 91.
- Melbourne: 40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs near 90.
- Port St. Lucie: 20% chance of showers. High 92.
- West Palm Beach: 20% chance of showers. High 86.
- Naples: 30% chance of thunderstorms. High 91.
- Fort Myers: 40% chance of scattered thunderstorms. High 93.
- Sarasota: 40% chance of scattered 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. “
Where do July storms usually occur?
“This could also be the time of year when development begins throughout the basin,” da Silva said.
“Typically, beryl is a huge exception, with very little development east of the Lesser Antilles early in the season. As we move into August, we need to start watching the tropical waves move out of Africa because as we develop , they will develop faster.
The hurricane rapidly intensified, involving
Rapid intensification is when wind speed increases by about 35 mph in 24 hours.
“As we enter later in the summer, I remain very concerned about the rapid intensification of weather conditions. One of the main reasons why Beryl is Cat 5 is because of the record-breaking warm waters that occur in the main development area this time of year,” said da Silva. .
“These water temperatures are only going to rise from here, making this basin prime conditions for rapid intensification. I think as long as we continue to see rising sea surface temperatures on both sides of the Atlantic, we're going to have to deal with rapidly intensifying storms as we move into the future. time,” da Silva said.
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 16:
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:
- Tropical Wave 1: Tropical waves in the mid-Atlantic are moving westward at 11 to 17 mph.
- Tropical Wave 2: A tropical wave is moving into the eastern Caribbean. It is moving westward at 17 to 23 mph.
- Tropical Wave 3: Tropical waves move across the Yucatan Peninsula into the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is moving westward at 11 to 17 miles per hour.
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.
