South Florida residents are bracing for changing weather this week as the remnants of Tropical Storm Sara, now a moisture-laden system, merge with an advancing cold front.
The region has enjoyed a stretch of mild and breezy days, with temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s and low humidity. However, forecasters warn that the approaching front will bring increased rain chances by midweek.
“This weekend’s weather was picture-perfect, but changes are on the horizon,” said Local 10 meteorologist Julie Durda, noting the expected uptick in moisture from Sara’s remnants as they shift into the Gulf of Mexico.
9 a.m. report:
While the system will no longer be tropical in nature, it’s forecasted to bring heavy rain and gusty winds to parts of the Gulf Coast. South Florida may see scattered showers as the cold front sweeps through, followed by a drop in temperatures, especially during the mornings.
The heavy downpours are more likely after Wednesday afternoon.
There is a 20% probability of rain on Thursday that goes down to zero on Friday. The cold front will prompt lows in the upper 50s and highs in the mid-70s on Friday and Saturday when it will be partly cloudy. Sunday will be mostly sunny with lows in the 60s.
Local 10 meteorologist John Gerard explained that while the storm’s leftover moisture is expected to reach South Florida, it won’t bring the intense winds and rainfall seen in Central America.
“We’re not going to see the historic flooding or 30-40 inches of rain they had down there,” he said. “We will, however, get some rain.”
Currently, a high-pressure system off the coast is bringing easterly winds and cloudy skies, but dry air aloft is preventing significant rain from falling, according to Gerard. The remnants of Sarah are currently moving off the Yucatán and into the western Gulf of Mexico, while also connecting to a cold front over southern Louisiana.
Forecasters urged residents to prepare for rain midweek and enjoy the cooler, drier conditions expected once the front clears.
For the hour-by-hour forecast and a live radar, visit this page.
6 a.m. report