Our high-pressure system that has dominated our weather is gradually shifting southeastward.
This movement is tightening the pressure gradient over the peninsula, interacting with a stalled frontal boundary in South Florida.
As a result, onshore flow is intensifying, leading to the development of breezy to very windy conditions across East-Central Florida.
Coastal areas can expect sustained winds reaching 25-30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. A Wind Advisory takes effect at midnight for all coastal counties, excluding inland parts of Volusia.
These conditions will pose various coastal hazards, including a high risk of life-threatening rip currents and large, rough, breaking waves.
A High Surf Advisory is in effect, along with a Rip Current Statement. Coastal flooding and beach erosion are anticipated as waves reach up to dunes/seawalls during high tide. And we have a Coastal Flood Warning.
For the rest of the forecast, afternoon highs are expected to peak in the low 70s due to persistent cloud cover.
Onshore flow continues to bring low-level moisture across Florida, resulting in isolated fast-moving showers from the Atlantic waters. These showers become scattered in the afternoon from the Treasure Coast to Lake Okeechobee south.
Heading into Friday, onshore flow persists, with elevated winds at 15-25 mph and gusts up to 30-35 mph near the coastline. A 20-30% chance of showers remains, primarily along the coast, with temperatures reaching widespread low/mid 70s under cloudy skies.
Then comes the soaking for the weekend!
A low is set to form in the Gulf of Mexico and move into either Central Florida or the Panhandle.
Depending on which direction it takes, we could be talking about a very active Saturday with Heavy Rain of up to 3 to 6 inches...or just windy conditions with maybe an inch of rain.
For now, get ready for High Wind with gusts of 25 to 35 mph across the inland areas, and 35 to 45 on the coast.
Coastal areas should also expect waves of 8 to 12 feet, rip currents, and possible beach erosion. Heavy rain is set for late Saturday into Sunday, and we could have storms approaching severe with the possibility of an isolated tornado.