West Palm Beach, FL – South Florida is entering what is typically the hottest stretch of the year, but a spinning low-pressure system is bringing some relief in the form of showers and scattered thunderstorms beginning August 7, keeping highs in the low 90s.
Hottest Days of the Year in West Palm Beach
According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, West Palm Beach’s hottest days usually occur August 8 to August 11, with an average high of 91.1 degrees. This summer, the city has already reached 96 degrees on August 1 and August 4, just shy of the 97-degree record set in 1970 and 1989. August’s average temperature so far sits at 85.6 degrees, making it the sixth warmest on record.
Rain Offers Brief Respite but Not a Drought Breaker
The National Weather Service in Miami forecasts up to 2 inches of rain in Palm Beach County and 3 inches or more in southern Miami-Dade and Collier counties by Sunday. However, science and operations manager Donal Harrigan warned that the showers are unlikely to significantly improve drought conditions.
About 78% of Palm Beach County is experiencing moderate to severe drought, while parts of Miami-Dade and Broward face extreme drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Harrigan noted that southern Miami-Dade may see the most improvement, but at best, Palm Beach County might only improve by one drought category.
Heat, Humidity, and Flooding Risks
While rainfall may lower actual temperatures temporarily, Harrigan cautioned that humidity will keep “feels like” temperatures between 105 and 108 degrees through the weekend. Forecasters are also warning of localized flooding if heavy showers linger over the same areas.
Meteorologist Sammy Hadi explained that a strong Bermuda High has been driving persistent easterly winds, pushing sea breezes inland and keeping the coast drier. This same pattern has reduced the number of heat advisory days compared to last year — nine so far in 2025 compared to 20 in 2024.
Statewide Temperature Trends
Across Florida, the timing of peak heat varies slightly:
- Jacksonville Beach: 89.5°F highs linger through August 14
- Naples: 92.1°F highs persist until August 22
- : 92.3°F highs peak from late July to August 6
Florida climatologist David Zierden explained that despite summer officially starting on June 21, temperatures keep rising for weeks because daytime heating exceeds overnight cooling.
Rainy Season Deficits Continue
The rainy season, which ends October 15, is running behind in several South Florida cities:
- West Palm Beach: 13.4 inches below normal
- Fort Lauderdale: 15 inches below normal
- Miami: nearly 5 inches below normal
Hadi emphasized that fewer heat advisories this year are due to stronger easterly winds, in contrast to 2024’s warmer southwesterly winds heated by Gulf waters…