Severe storms expected from Miami to West Palm Beach
The National Weather Service in Miami has raised a marginal severe weather alert for the eastern half of South Florida, stretching from Homestead up through Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and reaching as far north as West Palm Beach. This includes Belle Glade and Clewiston, where isolated strong to severe thunderstorms could strike between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday.
The severe weather threat level is 1 out of 5, meaning the storms are expected to be isolated but still potentially dangerous. The main hazards include strong wind gusts, hail up to an inch in diameter, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes. Heavy rainfall could also lead to localized flooding, especially in low-lying urban areas.
Timing: when to expect the worst
The most active hours for thunderstorms and rainfall in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale corridor are projected from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday. Moving into the weekend, Saturday may see scattered showers and storms between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., while Sunday’s window broadens from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Even on Memorial Day, storms aren’t off the table. Though total precipitation should remain below an inch, there’s a solid chance of thunderstorm activity between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Storm risk outside the core zone
While the Florida Keys, Naples, and even Tampa sit outside the marginal risk zone, these areas are not immune. Isolated thunderstorms remain possible throughout the weekend. In Key West, storm probabilities hold at 10% through Saturday, rising to 20% on Sunday and Monday. If you’re headed to Orlando, expect rain and storms to hover around 20–30% from Thursday to Sunday, increasing to 50% Monday afternoon.
High heat alert from Miami-Dade to Naples
Alongside the storms, an elevated heat risk persists for South Florida. From Miami-Dade and Broward counties up to Jupiter, and west to Naples, the heat index — what the temperature feels like — will likely range from 103°F to 107°F (39.4°C to 41.6°C).
A heat warning would be issued if these values hold above 105°F (40.5°C) for at least two hours. Although no warnings have been announced as of Thursday morning, forecasters anticipate oppressive conditions. CBS News Miami’s meteorologist Ivan Cabrera expects air temperatures in the low to mid-90s°F (32°C to 35°C) on Thursday, with the “feels-like” temps soaring well into the triple digits.
For Memorial Day Monday, Miami may reach 86°F (30°C), feeling like 96°F (35.5°C). Saturday and Sunday won’t offer much relief, with highs of 87°F (30.5°C) and an index peaking at 98°F (36.6°C) around 2 p.m.
Key West remains hot as well, with highs in the upper 80s°F (around 31°C). Naples can expect a 90°F (32°C) high and a 50% chance of storms on the holiday. Orlando, meanwhile, braces for a blistering Memorial Day with mid-90s°F (around 35°C) heat.
Caution urged amid extreme weather conditions
The dual threat of severe storms and extreme heat heightens the potential for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and storm-related hazards. Those in South Florida and nearby areas should be especially alert to rapidly changing conditions during this long holiday weekend.
