Current Weather Outlook
Statewide weather outlook from Florida Division of Emergency Management MeteorologyFriday, December 2, 2022
...Mostly Sunny and Dry Conditions Expected Nearly Statewide...Northeasterly Wind Continue Along the East Coast...Stray Shower or Two Possible Along the Florida Keys Tonight...Patchy to Locally Dense Fog May Develop Over Eastern Panhandle, Big Bend, and Suwannee River Valley Overnight...River Flood Warnings Remain in Effect for Portions of the Upper St. Johns River...Dangerous Beach and Boating Conditions Develop Along the East Coast...Moderate to Severe Drought Conditions Persist Over the Panhandle and Big Bend...
Updated at 9:45 AM EST
Today's Threats:
| No Threat | Low Threat | Medium Threat | High Threat |
| Lightning | Tornado | Damaging Wind | Wildfire | Fog | Freeze | River Flooding | Rip Currents |
|
|
Eastern Panhandle, Big Bend, & Suwannee River Valley |
|
East-Central Florida |
Eastern Panhandle & East Coast Western Panhandle West Coast |
Weather Summary for the Next 24 Hours:
Mostly sunny and dry conditions are expected nearly statewide today, courtesy of an area of high pressure. Persistent easterly to northeasterly flow will result in gusty winds along the East Coast, with wind gusts reaching 20-30 mph at times, especially east of the I-95 corridor. Afternoon temperatures are forecast to remain rather mild across the Panhandle, with temperatures in the upper 60s to middle 70s. Highs look to reach the 70s to lower 80s in the Peninsula.
Mostly clear conditions can be expected to continue overnight, with only stray showers possible along the Florida Keys (15-20% chance of rain). Lingering moisture and light winds may allow for areas of patchy to locally dense fog to develop across portions of the eastern Panhandle, Big Bend, and Suwannee River Valley. Low temperatures tonight will reach the 50s to 60s across North Florida, the 60s to 70s across Central Florida and interior South Florida, and the 70s along the Southeast Florida Coast and the Keys.
Fire Weather: The overall wildfire threat will remain low today with relative humidity values remaining well above critical levels across the state. Additionally, winds will remain relatively light over inland areas (5-10 mph). Overnight, an increased chance for fog formation can be expected over the eastern Panhandle and interior Big Bend. Smoke from nearby wildfires may result in further reduced visibilities. According to the Florida Forest Service, there are currently 5 active wildfires across the state, burning approximately 3.4 acres.
Drought: Moderate to severe drought to persist on this week’s updated Drought Monitor across the Panhandle and Big Bend. Rainfall deficits over the past 30 days are now reaching 2-4” over the western portions of the region, with rainfall totals of 1-2” below normal stretching to the Big Bend.
The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida is 244 (-16) on a scale from 0 (very wet) to 800 (very dry). There are no counties with an average KBDI over 500 (drought/increased fire danger), although localized areas in the Panhandle have KBDI values over 500.
Rip Currents: Strong onshore flow will yield a high risk of rip currents along all Atlantic Coast and eastern Panhandle beaches today. Moderate risk conditions can be expected over the western Panhandle, with a low risk persisting for West Florida beaches. For the latest Rip Current Outlook, visit www.weather.gov/beach.
Marine Hazards: Wave heights of 1-3’ feet can be expected along the Gulf Coast with heights decreasing into the evening hours. The East Coast will see wave heights of 4-6’ throughout the day. Red Tide has been observed at medium to high concentration along Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and Collier Counites. Red Tide has been sampled at low concentration along Pinellas County.
Coastal Flooding: Coastal flooding is not expected today.
Flash Flooding: There is no risk for flash flooding today.
Riverine Flooding: River Flood Warnings remains in effect for the St. Johns River at Deland, Sanford and Astor where minor flooding is ongoing. Elevated river levels are expected to last into next week. A slower decline in water levels can be expected through Friday as northerly to northeasterly winds increase in the wake of yesterday’s cold front. A few rivers in the western Panhandle have risen into Action Stage (bank-full), but riverine flooding is not expected at this time. For more details on specific river levels, please visit the River Forecast Center.
Lake Okeechobee’s average elevation is 16.50 feet, which is within the operational band and 1.67 feet above normal for this time of year.
