Tropical wave brings rain to Florida. NHC tracks 2 systems

The peak of hurricane season runs from mid-August to mid-October

A tropical wave is expected to bring locally heavy showers and storms to parts of Florida today.

Combined with lingering Saharan dust, some “dirty rain” is possible. The tropical moisture that increases the chance of rain in Florida will not be organized, according to Ryan Truchelut, chief meteorologist for WeatherTiger.

➤ Track all active storms

Although the tropics are still quiet, activity is expected to pick up again in late July and early August.

The height of hurricane season runs from mid-August to mid-October. If your hurricane supplies are running low, or you don’t have an emergency kit yet, Florida’s next tax holiday in late August could help you save money.

Elsewhere, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves.

Rain chances remain for much of Florida

A tropical low pressure wave increases the chance of showers in Florida through today.

“This ‘wave’ is not expected to develop tropically, largely due to dust and drier air in the upper atmosphere that will limit the strengthening of this wave and other waves elsewhere in the tropical Atlantic this week,” AccuWeather said.

Locally heavy showers and storms may occur in some areas.

The tropical wave is not expected to develop into a tropical depression or a named tropical storm.

Expected temperatures and weather forecast today:

Pensacola: High 88. Heat indices ranging from 100-105 degrees. Good chance of rain in the afternoon and evening.
Highland: High 95. Showers and thunderstorms look set to develop much later in the day, causing temperatures to rise. Heat index values approaching 108 are possible.
Jacksonville: High 94. Persistent dry air moving in from the southeast may hinder the development of showers and storms. Heat index values are expected to range from 100 to 107.
Dagtona Beach: High 89. Numerous showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the area this afternoon and evening, especially inland.
Melbourne: High 90. A few stronger storms are possible, producing frequent lightning strikes, gusts up to 40 mph, and locally heavy rainfall of 1 to 3 inches. Peak heat index values of 103 to 107 this afternoon.
Port St. Lucie: High 91. Heat index values as high as 103. The greatest threats from storms today are lightning, gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall of 1 to 3 inches.
West Palm Beach: High 86. Another day of scattered to numerous thunderstorms is expected today. The strongest storms can bring gusts of wind, frequent lightning and heavy downpours.
Naples: High 91. Heat index values as high as 106. Showers and possibly a thunderstorm in the afternoon.
Fort Myers: High 91. Heat index values as high as 102. Showers and thunderstorms develop along the I-75 corridor in the afternoon, becoming more widespread in the late afternoon.
Sarasota: High 90. Heat index values as high as 110. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm late in the afternoon. Hazards to watch for include frequent lightning strikes during storms, strong wind gusts and heavy downpours.

Florida Weather Radar: Track Storms as They Move Across the State

National Hurricane Center to Launch New Cone of Concern in August

Use the slider on the right to compare the previous cone with what it will look like from August 2024.

The National Hurricane Center’s new experimental tropical cyclone forecast cone graph is due out in mid-August, just in time for the peak of hurricane season.

The new cone adds tropical storm and hurricane warnings and alerts for inland counties in the storm’s path. The current cone only shows warnings and alerts for coastal counties.

Warnings and advisories for interior counties were issued by local National Weather Service offices. The new chart combines tropical storm and hurricane watches and warnings into one chart.

The next storm of the season will be Debby.

What is NOAA Tracking in the Atlantic Basin?

According to the National Hurricane Center, no tropical cyclones are expected in the coming days.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two tropical waves. Here is the latest update from the NHC as of 2 a.m. July 23:

Tropical wave 1: A tropical wave in the central Atlantic Ocean carrying scattered showers is moving westward at 11 mph.
Tropical wave 2: A tropical wave in the western Caribbean extends from the northwestern Caribbean to central Honduras.

Who is likely to be affected?

A tropical wave is expected to bring tropical moisture to Florida today.

Forecasters are urging all residents to continue monitoring the tropics and to always be prepared. The advice is especially important for what is expected to be a very active hurricane season.

When is the next Florida hurricane tax-free essentials holiday?

Save on hurricane supplies between August 24 and September 6. This is the last tax-free holiday for 2024 for emergency supplies, and it falls during the busiest time of hurricane season.

Can’t afford a generator or weeks’ worth of food? Here are the basics you should have on hand.

Eligible items for the tax-free holiday include:

A portable generator used to provide light or communications or to preserve food in the event of a power outage. Retail price $3,000 or less.
A tarpaulin or other flexible, waterproof covering with a retail price of $100 or less.
An item normally sold as, or generally advertised as, a ground anchor system or mounting kit with a retail price of $100 or less.
A smoke detector or smoke alarm with a retail price of $70 or less.
A fire extinguisher with a retail price of $70 or less.
A carbon monoxide detector with a retail price of $70 or less.
A non-electric food cooler with a retail price of $60 or less.
A portable power bank with a retail price of $60 or less.
A gas or diesel tank with a retail price of $50 or less.
A portable powered radio, walkie-talkie, or weather radio with a retail price of $50 or less.
A package of AA cells, AAA cells, C cells, D cells, 6-volt or 9-volt batteries, excluding automotive and boat batteries, with a retail price of $50 or less.
A portable, self-contained light source (battery, solar, handheld, or gas) with a retail price of $40 or less, including: flashlights, lanterns, and candles.
Eligible light sources and radios qualify for the exemption even if the electrical cords are included with the purchase.
Reusable ice cubes (ice cubes) with a retail price of $20 or less.

➤ See the full list of items, including pet supplies and cleaning products, that are exempt from sales tax

When is the Atlantic hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

When is the peak of hurricane season?

According to the Hurricane Center, peak season is September 10, with the most activity between mid-August and mid-October.

Map from the National Hurricane Center: What are meteorologists looking at now?

The systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include:

Interactive Map: Hurricanes, Tropical Storms That Have Passed Near Your City

Heavy rain is expected

What’s next?

We continue to update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download the app from your local site to ensure you are always connected to the news. And check out our special subscription offers here.