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Strong thunderstorms are in South Florida’s forecast this weekend. Some waterspouts, too

Rainy days and Mondays always get you down, as the old song said?

Well, you may have a couple days to get used to it and build up your defenses because that rumble you may have just heard outside your door is a harbinger of what South Florida can expect this weekend.

According to the National Weather Service in Miami, the first break in a recent dry spell comes Saturday afternoon with a 60% chance of afternoon bangers.

These potentially widespread thunderstorms have the potential for heavy rain and localized roadway flooding, gusty near 10 mph winds and frequent lightning, the center said in its hazardous weather outlook.

The storms were particularly strong in portions of Broward County Saturday afternoon, where a flood advisory was put in place until 4 p.m.

Waterspouts are possible along South Florida coastal waters and Lake Okeechobee. These waterspouts are more likely in the Florida Keys this weekend into Wednesday, however, the weather service said. This, despite a lower storm chance in Key West — 20%.

Why?

Blame it on a cloud line’s formation under a light steering flow. “Waterspouts tend to form beneath lines of building cumulus clouds, just at the hint of rain. Waterspouts can easily flip bloats, and should always be avoided,” the weather service said.

These storms are expected Sunday into Monday, too, with the 60% Sunday chance increasing to 70% Monday. The rest of the work week sees a better than average chance for occasional rain and storms.

See those overcast skies? These clouds could darken later on Aug. 13, 2022, in parts of South Florida as thunderstorms are likely Saturday though Monday in South Florida, the National Weather Service in Miami forecasts.
See those overcast skies? These clouds could darken later on Aug. 13, 2022, in parts of South Florida as thunderstorms are likely Saturday though Monday in South Florida, the National Weather Service in Miami forecasts.

How hot is it going to get?

Highs in the upper 80s are the deal for the week. But that also means with humidity factored in, the heat index — what the temperature will feel against your skin — could hit 100.

If you work outdoors, as many do, hydrate often. Water is best. Also wear light colored clothes and try and hit the shade as often as you can.

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