...Sunny and Warm Conditions Expected Statewide.... A Couple of Isolated Showers or Storms Possible Across Inland Portions of the Florida Peninsula... Elevated Risk for Fires to Come Just in Time for Holiday Weekend... Elevated Risk of Rip Currents for East Central Florida Beaches...

A dry cold front is poised to move through the Florida Panhandle today and into the Peninsula for the rest of the weekend. This will generate mostly sunny skies with few clouds statewide today. A 10% chance of showers and storms exists for the interior portion of the Peninsula this afternoon, but any rainfall will be extremely isolated in nature. Despite the passage of a cold front, afternoon highs will continue to be warm statewide with temperatures reaching into the upper 80s near the coast and low 90s inland.

The dry air forecast to filter in will combine with drying soils to generate and breezy winds of up to 15 mph to create a high risk of wildfires across North Florida. Several counties within the eastern Panhandle, Big Bend, and Suwanee River Valley will reach critically low relative humidity values. Therefore, red flag warnings have been issued for this afternoon. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Peninsula will see a low risk of wildfires today. As we gear up for our cookouts this weekend, it is important to take a few minutes to review some fire safety tips so we can all enjoy this weekend. It is urged to use extreme caution with respect to outdoor activities that could spark wildfires. Conditions will be good for fires to get out of hand quickly. Report new wildfires quickly to the nearest fire department or law enforcement office.

For tonight, high pressure is expected to continue to be the dominant weather feature across Florida and conditions will remain beautiful with mostly clear skies. Overnight low temperatures will continue their warm streak with temperatures dipping into the mid to upper 50s across North Florida and upper 60s to low 70s across Central and South Florida.

At the coast, onshore winds will generate a moderate risk of rip currents for beaches across East Central Florida from Volusia County through Martin County. All other beaches will experience a low risk of rip currents.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.