Clouds are building across South Florida as a stalled front is expected to bring multiple rounds of thunderstorms across the region on Saturday afternoon, prompting residents and visitors to adjust their outdoor plans heading into the weekend.
Forecasters say the initial line of storms will sweep through the area between 1 and 5 p.m., with the heaviest activity expected to move in from the north before slowly weakening later in the day.
“It’s not going to actually move through — it’s going to stall out,” said Local 10 meteorologist Brandon Orr. “That’s what’s bringing us the rounds of thunderstorms.”
Storms are already developing near Alligator Alley, but the main line of weather remains north of Lake Okeechobee and could take a few more hours to reach Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
Once it does, Orr said the intensity of the storms may begin to taper off, particularly as the system approaches the Keys.
By late afternoon and evening, conditions are expected to improve, with only lingering clouds and some stray showers likely after 5 p.m.
“If you hold off your plans until later on this evening or tonight, you’ll be much better off,” Orr said.
High temperatures are forecast to reach 91 degrees Saturday, with a higher chance of storms due to better storm structure and less weakening as the weather moves southward.
While South Florida will remain on the muggy and rainy side of the stalled front, cities farther north like Tampa and Orlando are expected to see lower humidity and more pleasant conditions.
Despite the expected rain, Orr encouraged families to stop by the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale, where he’s appearing at a hurricane preparedness event.
Visitors will have a chance to test their on-air skills at the green screen station and learn more about staying safe during the season.
Rain chances are expected to decrease somewhat by midweek thanks to incoming Saharan dust, but meteorologists warn that pop-up storms will continue to be a daily possibility throughout South Florida’s hurricane season.
For the hour-by-hour forecast and a live radar, visit this page.
