Comfortable Temperatures Today, with Cooler and Drier Conditions Statewide... Elevated Fire Weather Threat throughout Northwest Florida this Afternoon... Moderate Risk for Dangerous Rip Currents Along Atlantic Coast Beaches... Minor Coastal Flooding Possible in South Florida during times of High Tide...

A weak and dry cold front is draped across Central Florida this morning as high pressure builds into the northern portion of the state with mostly sunny and pleasant conditions will be in the forecast for the entire state. A few very isolated showers may move onshore in Southeast Florida, but chances of this occurring are very low, around 10%, and nearly the entire state will stay dry and under plentiful sunshine.

With the dry air in place and somewhat breezy winds, the wildfire risk will elevate today. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for many Panhandle counties for this afternoon.

Highs today will peak in the upper 70s to low 80s throughout North Florida. Ahead of the front, seasonable temperatures will be in place with highs reaching the mid 80s in Central Florida and the upper 80s throughout South Florida.

For tonight, the cool and dry air will allow temperatures to fall below normal and lows are expected to dip into the mid 50s throughout inland North Florida while coastal areas likely stay in the upper 50s. Central Florida will see lows dip into the upper 60s while South Florida dips into the low to mid 70s.

At the coast, lingering ocean swells will generate a moderate risk for rip currents along the Atlantic Coast beaches from Nassau County through Martin County. The beaches of Southeast Florida and the entire Florida Gulf Coast will see a low risk of rip currents today. Dangerous and life-threatening rip currents can develop anywhere at any time and anyone who plans to enter the surf should look for warning signs or flags posted by local lifeguards before entering the water. You can find your rip current forecast by clicking here.

Additionally, minor coastal flooding due to astronomical high tides will occur today along the beaches of South Florida. These conditions will likely be most prevalent during times of high tide and water may wash over roadways directly adjacent to the coast. These conditions may persist through mid week.

Rafael strengthened into a hurricane Monday night. As of 8am EDT Tuesday, Hurricane Rafael was located 345 miles south of Bermuda which is also approximately 929 miles east of Miami, Florida. Maximum sustained winds are near 85 mph, making Rafael a Category 1 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Hurricane Rafael is moving toward the north-northeast at 16 mph and the official forecast from the National Hurricane Center shows this storm staying in the open Atlantic and well away from the United States. For more information, visit the National Hurricane Center.