Sunny and Warm Conditions Expected Along the Florida Panhandle...Scattered Showers and Storms Forecast for Much of the Florida Peninsula This Afternoon and Evening...Some Strong Storms Possible With Lightning, Hail, Gusty Winds and Heavy Rainfall...Elevated Wildfire Risk Across Northwest Florida Today...Moderate Rip Current Risk for West Panhandle Beaches...

Weather conditions statewide should be very similar to yesterday. High pressure will keep Panhandle and western Big Bend areas sunny and rain-free today, while higher moisture values and the afternoon seabreeze generates scattered showers and thunderstorms along the Florida Peninsula and across the eastern Florida Big Bend.

Afternoon temperatures across Northwest Florida should once again soar into the upper 80s to low 90s, while more cloud cover in the Peninsula keeps high temperatures comfortable in the low to mid 80s along the East Coast and in the mid to upper 80s throughout the interior and western Peninsula. These warm temperatures combined with plenty of moisture in the air will allow for the formation of showers and thunderstorms today as the seabreeze moves inland from both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. The highest chances for rain, around 50%, will be over inland and eastern areas from early afternoon through the early evening hours, with lower rain chances around 30% along the West Coast.

A few of the storms over interior sections of the Peninsula, near I-75, US-27 and the Turnpike, could be strong late in the afternoon. Although the overall severe weather threat is low, a few storms could produce frequent lightning, gusty winds to 60mph, small hail and heavy downpours. Storm activity should begin to dissipate after sunset, although some showers are possible overnight along the East Coast, with mild overnight lows in the upper 60s to mid 70s under partly cloudy skies. Equally mild temperatures in the 60s across Northwest Florida along with clear skies and calm winds will result in patchy fog to develop over portions of the area after midnight.

Even though rain is expected, there is a chance of lightning-induced wildfires today across the Florida Peninsula. Low humidity and warm temperatures will keep the wildfire threat elevated across much of Northwest Florida.

There is a moderate rip current risk today at Western Panhandle and Northeast Florida beaches. Elsewhere, a low risk of rip currents is forecast. It is imperative that all swimmers know how to escape a rip current and remember that the safest beaches are the ones protected by lifeguards. More information can be found here.