After a tumultuous round of severe weather on Friday, South Florida experienced a brief return to calm conditions on Saturday morning. However, meteorologists caution that this respite might be short-lived as storms are predicted to reemerge later in the day.
Local 10 meteorologist Brandon Orr remarked on the earlier clear skies, which attracted beachgoers to locations like Hollywood. Despite the morning sunshine, Orr warned of the likelihood of scattered storms reappearing by mid-afternoon, particularly in inland areas. He outlined that while the region would see mostly dry conditions until around 1 p.m., thunderstorms are expected to develop from 1 to 3 p.m., peaking between 3 to 8 p.m.
Although the unfolding weather patterns are not anticipated to replicate the intensity of Friday’s storms, there remains a risk for damaging wind gusts, isolated flooding, hail, and frequent lightning as the day progresses. Orr noted that while some areas might escape the rain, it is wise for those venturing outdoors to be alert for sudden showers and storms.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of Central and South Florida under a marginal risk for severe weather, indicating only a slight chance for severe storms. “This means we’re not going to see anything widespread,” Orr explained, while acknowledging that certain storms might reach severe levels, particularly if strong winds are involved.
The meteorological conditions that supported Friday’s severe weather are still present: humidity from the Bahamas, wind shear, and a mixture of heat and atmospheric instability. Orr indicated that while the setup is less intense than the previous day, the potential for strong thunderstorms capable of producing hail, lightning, and damaging winds persists.
On Saturday, temperatures are expected to reach around 90 degrees, with humidity contributing to an even warmer feel. Beach flags are green, indicating safe surf conditions, although a moderate risk for rip currents remains. As Memorial Day weekend begins, forecasts predict spotty afternoon storms to occur each day, including Sunday and Monday. Fans attending Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final in Sunrise, where the Florida Panthers are set to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes, should brace for potential passing showers en route to Amerant Bank Arena.
Orr reassures that “No day is a washout,” suggesting that while pop-up showers and storms are a likelihood, high temperatures will remain consistently warm in the upper 80s to near 90.