West Palm Beach, FLA. (WPEC) — A broad area of high pressure is expanding across the northeastern United States today, while a system of low pressure in the upper atmosphere is helping to push a cold front into the Florida Panhandle. Despite this shift, high pressure remains in control over most of the Florida peninsula, keeping South Florida in a typical summertime weather pattern through the weekend.
Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon, mainly driven by daytime heating and sea breeze interactions. The southeast wind will bring a 30% chance of rain to coastal areas early in the afternoon, increasing to 50–60% across interior regions and around Lake Okeechobee as the sea breezes move inland. A few showers may linger into the early evening near the coast.
Heat Advisory in Effect
Heat remains a concern this weekend. Forecast highs are expected to reach the low to mid-90s, with some inland areas possibly climbing into the upper 90s. Combined with high humidity, heat index values could reach 110 degrees this afternoon. A heat advisory is in effect for Palm Beach County from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to these dangerous conditions. Overnight temperatures will stay warm, ranging from the mid-70s inland to near 80 along the coast.
Looking Ahead: Stormier Pattern Next Week
Starting Sunday night and continuing through next week, forecast models show a deeper trough developing over the southeastern U.S., drifting southward into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. This will create more favorable conditions for stronger thunderstorms and heavier rainfall across South Florida.
The daily weather pattern will continue to follow the familiar afternoon storm cycle, but rain chances will increase steadily. By midweek, expect a 50–70% chance of storms, rising to 60–80% by Friday. Atmospheric moisture levels will increase which will lead to localized heavy downpours, especially from slow-moving storms…