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Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Climate
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Will Tropical Storm Dexter become Atlantic season's first hurricane? See NOAA's forecast
Will Dexter become the Atlantic season's first hurricane? Tropical Storm Dexter was strengthening today, Aug. 6, as it continues moving farther away from the United States, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. The storm is expected to continue strengthening and could get near hurricane strength in 48 hours, with sustained winds expected to reach 70 mph. Maximum sustained winds have to reach 74 mph for a storm to be classified as a hurricane. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Dexter formed earlier than the historical average for the fourth storm of the season, on Aug. 3. On average, the fourth storm in the Atlantic forms Aug. 15. The first hurricane forms Aug. 11. There have been no hurricanes in the Atlantic basin — which consists of the northern Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean — so far this season. Elsewhere in the tropics, activity is picking up, with a medium chance of two tropical depressions forming in the Atlantic later this week or over the weekend. Where is Tropical Storm Dexter? Special note on the NHC cone: The forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Location: 405 miles south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia Maximum sustained winds: 45 mph Movement: east-northeast at 13 mph Pressure: 1,003 mb Next advisory: 11 a.m. Tropical Storm Dexter: Where is it and what's it doing? At 5 a.m., the center of Tropical Storm Dexter was located near latitude 39.4 North, longitude 59.9 West. Dexter is moving toward the east-northeast near 13 mph, and this motion is expected to continue with some increase in forward speed over the next few days. Maximum sustained winds have increased to near 45 mph, with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 90 miles from the center. Strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours while the system becomes an extratropical cyclone. Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Dexter Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. ➤ Track Tropical Storm Dexter What impacts will Tropical Storm Dexter have on Florida, US? While far from Florida, Dexter is expected to bring higher surf conditions of 2 to 4 feet, along with a moderate risk for rip currents, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. "Dexter, along with developing easterly breezes around high pressure near the Northeast states, will create locally rough surf and periodic strong rip currents along the Atlantic coast beaches this week from Florida to Massachusetts," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "It is possible that Dexter may approach the northern part of the British Isles or Iceland this weekend as a tropical rainstorm with locally gusty winds and rough seas," according to AccuWeather. See map of watches, warnings issued for Florida, US Where is Tropical Storm Dexter going? Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Tropical Storm Dexter Dexter is expected to strengthen but remain a tropical storm over the next day or two. The storm is running into strong wind shear, which is forecast to increase over the next 24 to 48 hours. Some models show Dexter reaching hurricane strength before dissipating. Current forecast: How strong could Tropical Storm Dexter get? As of 5 a.m.: 45 mph 12 hours: 50 mph 24 hours: 60 mph 36 hours: 65 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 48 hours: 70 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 60 hours: 60 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 72 hours: 50 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 96 hours: 40 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 120 hours: dissipated Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 20) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster (Aug. 3) Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee Interactive map: What tropical storms, hurricanes have impacted your area in the past? Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Tropical Storm Dexter: See projected path, spaghetti models. Hurricane
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
See projected path of Tropical Storm Dexter. What impacts could it have on Florida?
Tropical Storm Dexter remains a bit weaker than it was Aug. 4 but is still expected to strengthen as a post-tropical cyclone in a couple of days, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. Dexter became the fourth named storm of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season off the coast of North Carolina Aug. 3. The tropical storm is expected to continue moving away from the United States but could bring increased surf and an increased risk for rip currents along the Atlantic coast. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Dexter formed earlier than the historical average for the fourth storm of the season. On average, the fourth storm in the Atlantic forms Aug. 15. The first hurricane forms Aug. 11. There have been no hurricanes in the Atlantic basin — which consists of the northern Atlantic, Gulf and Caribbean — so far this season. Elsewhere in the tropics, forecasters are watching two other systems, including one off the southeastern coast of the U.S. and a tropical wave in the central Atlantic expected to become a tropical depression later this week or over the weekend. Highlights on what Tropical Storm Dexter is doing now Special note on the NHC cone: The forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time. Location: 400 miles north of Bermuda Maximum sustained winds: 40 mph Movement: northeast at 12 mph Pressure: 1,005 mb Next advisory: 5 p.m. Tropical Storm Dexter: Where is it and what's it doing? At 11 a.m., the center of Tropical Storm Dexter was located near latitude 38.0 North, longitude 63.4 West. Dexter is moving toward the northeast near 12 mph and a gradual turn toward the east-northeast is expected during the next few days. Maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph, with higher gusts. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center. Some strengthening is forecast during the next 48 hours as Dexter starts to become an extratropical cyclone. Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Dexter Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. ➤ Track Tropical Storm Dexter Will Tropical Storm Dexter impact Florida, US? While far from Florida, Dexter is expected to bring higher surf conditions of 2 to 4 feet, along with a moderate risk for rip currents, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. "Dexter, along with developing easterly breezes around high pressure near the Northeast states, will create locally rough surf and periodic strong rip currents along the Atlantic coast beaches this week from Florida to Massachusetts," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. See map of watches, warnings issued for Florida, US Where is Tropical Storm Dexter going? Key messages from the National Hurricane Center: What you need to know about Tropical Storm Dexter Dexter appears to be weakening as it battles wind shear. Models now show it's expected to strengthen slightly as it interacts with a trough. It's expected to become extra-tropical within the next 36 to 48 hours. Current forecast: How strong could Tropical Storm Dexter get? As of 11 a.m.: 40 mph 12 hours: 40 mph 24 hours: 45 mph 36 hours: 45 mph 48 hours: 50 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 60 hours: 50 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 72 hours: 50 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 96 hours: 45 mph (post tropical, extra tropical) 120 hours: dissipated Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 20) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster (Aug. 3) Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee Interactive map: What tropical storms, hurricanes have impacted your area in the past? Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This story has been updated to include new information. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Tropical Storm Dexter: Expected impacts, map, spaghetti models Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Hurricane Center tracking 3 systems. Will we see Erin and Fernand soon?
August is living up to its reputation as the month when activity in the tropics picks up. Tropical Storm Dexter is strengthening in the northern Atlantic, and forecasters are keeping a close eye on two systems that could become tropical depressions later this week or over the weekend, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. ➤ Track all active storms ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location One of the disturbances is located a few hundred miles off Florida and the southeastern coast of the United States. It has a 40% chance for development over the next seven days. Chances have picked up for development of the tropical wave farther east in the Atlantic. It now has a 60% chance for development over the next seven days. Farther north, Tropical Storm Dexter has strengthened and could approach hurricane strength over the next 48 hours before dissipating later this week. It's expected to bring an increased risk for increased surf and a medium risk for rip currents to Florida and the Atlantic coast. The next named storms of the Atlantic hurricane season will be Erin and Fernand. Here's the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center as of 8 a.m., Aug. 6: Where is Tropical Storm Dexter and where is it going? Location: 405 miles south-southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia Maximum sustained winds: 45 mph Movement: east-northeast at 13 mph Pressure: 1,003 mb Next advisory: 11 a.m. ➤ Tropical Storm Dexter: See latest spaghetti models, any Florida impacts Spaghetti models for Tropical Storm Dexter Special note about spaghetti models: Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts. ➤ Track Tropical Storm Dexter Will Dexter become a hurricane? Will it threaten Florida? Some models are showing Dexter does have a potential to become a hurricane before it dissipates later this week. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting maximum sustained winds will reach 70 mph within the next 48 hours, just short of the 74 mph needed to be classified as a hurricane. While far from Florida, Dexter is expected to bring higher surf conditions of 2 to 4 feet, along with a moderate risk for rip currents, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. ➤ How often has Florida been impacted, threatened by August hurricanes? We took a look back "Dexter, along with developing easterly breezes around high pressure near the Northeast states, will create locally rough surf and periodic strong rip currents along the Atlantic coast beaches this week from Florida to Massachusetts," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. What tropical waves, disturbances are in Atlantic basin now? How likely are they to strengthen? First tropical wave: A weak area of low pressure has formed from a surface trough, several hundred miles off the coast of the southeastern United States. However, this system is currently producing only limited shower and thunderstorm activity and development is likely to be slow to occur during the next few days. Thereafter, environmental conditions could become a little more conducive for development. A tropical depression could still form by this weekend as the low initially drifts westward before turning northward to northeastwardby the weekend. Formation chance through 48 hours: low, 10 percent. Formation chance through seven days: medium, 40 percent. Second tropical wave: A tropical wave over the eastern tropical Atlantic continues to produce a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for gradual development during the next few days, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend as the system moves generally west-northwestward to northwestward across the central tropical and subtropical Atlantic. Formation chance through 48 hours: low, 20 percent. Formation chance through seven days: medium, 60 percent. How could disturbance off southeast coast affect Florida? "This system poses no direct threat to Florida at this time," the Florida Department of Emergency Management said. "However, it could bring elevated rain chances and rip currents along portions of the East Coast later in the week and into the weekend." The system has a limited time for development, although it could become a tropical depression or storm before the end of the week, according to AccuWeather. "Heavy rain is expected across parts of the Southeast this week, regardless of official tropical development because of the old front," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva. Downpours and gusty thunderstorms are possible in the Carolinas. Remember, conditions and forecasts can change rapidly. If the system strengthens into a tropical storm and moves inland, "a more serious flash flood risk may evolve in portions of the Carolinas, Georgia and Virginia," according to AccuWeather. Is there a hurricane coming toward Florida? No. A weak surface disturbance is located several hundred miles off the coast of Florida and the Southeast U.S., producing scattered showers and thunderstorms. An area of low pressure is expected to form from this disturbance over the next day or so, where environmental conditions appear generally favorable for additional development. A tropical depression could form by the latter portion of this week or weekend as the low starts moving slowly westward, but turns more northward by this weekend. There's a 40% chance of development over the next seven days, according to the latest advisory from the National Hurricane Center. What do the colored, hatched areas on the NOAA map mean? The hatched areas on the National Hurricane Center's tropical outlook map indicate "areas where a tropical cyclone — which could be a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane — could develop," said National Hurricane Center Deputy Director Jamie Rhome. The colors make it visibly clear how likely a system could develop, with yellow being low, orange medium, and red high. The National Hurricane Center generally doesn't issue tropical advisories until there is a named storm, but there is an exception. "If a system is near land and there is potential for development, the National Hurricane Center won't wait before it issues advisories, even if the system hasn't become an actual storm. This gives residents time to prepare," Rhome said. What should you do now to prepare for hurricane season? Officials regularly encourage Florida residents to prepare for storms before a hurricane is approaching while shelves are full stocked and you aren't battling crowds all rushing to the store at the same time. "It only takes one storm to make it an impactful year for your community," the National Hurricane Center Miami posted on X. "Hurricane season is a marathon, not a sprint." On Aug. 1, specific hurricane supplies became permanently tax free in Florida, ranging from batteries to generators. ➤ See list of emergency supplies you can now buy tax free Florida weather radar for Aug. 6, 2025 Weather watches and warnings issued in Florida When is the Atlantic hurricane season? The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. Ninety-seven percent of tropical cyclone activity occurs during this time period, NOAA said. The Atlantic basin includes the northern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America, as the Gulf of Mexico is now known in the U.S. per an order from President Trump. NOAA and the National Hurricane Center are now using Gulf of America on its maps and in its advisories. When is the peak of hurricane season? The peak of the season is Sept. 10, with the most activity happening between mid-August and mid-October, according to the Hurricane Center. Hurricane names for 2025 season Here are the names for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, along with how to pronounce them: Andrea (June 20) Barry (June 29) Chantal (July 5) Dexter: DEHK-ster (Aug. 3) Erin: AIR-rin Fernand: fair-NAHN Gabrielle: ga-bree-ELL Humberto: oom-BAIR-toh Imelda: ee-MEHL-dah Jerry: JEHR-ee Karen: KAIR-ren Lorenzo: loh-REN-zoh Melissa: meh-LIH-suh Nestor: NES-tor Olga: OAL-guh Pablo: PAHB-lo Rebekah: reh-BEH-kuh Sebastien: se-BAS-tee-en Tanya: TAHN-yuh Van: van Wendy: WEN-dee National Hurricane Center map: See what forecasters watching now Systems currently being monitored by the National Hurricane Center include: Interactive map: Hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed near your city Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will update our tropical weather coverage daily. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Hurricane Center tracking Tropical Storm Dexter, 2 Atlantic systems
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Climate
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What's weather forecast for Florida this weekend? Will it rain? Are summer temps here?
It's going to be a hot, dry weekend across most of Florida during these final days of April. If you plan to head to the beach to cool off, watch out for dangerous rip currents. And smelly sargassum seaweed. And blue-green algae or red tide or healthy advisories that may make it unsafe for swimming. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location The National Weather Service Melbourne and Miami warned there's a high risk for rip currents at local beaches and said "entering the surf is not advised!" Temperatures will be "noticeably warmer," reaching the low- to mid-90s in interior counties in Central Florida and mid- to upper 80s along the East Coast, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. "A moderate heat risk exists on Sunday (April 27) over the interior of east central Florida as temps will be several degrees above normal. Leesburg will have the best chance to equal/exceed its record high of 93" on April 27. Residents in Northeast Florida also can expect "above seasonable temperatures" through the weekend, with highs ranging from the mid 80s along the immediate coast to the upper 80s/low 90s inland, according to the National Weather Service Jacksonville. High temperatures in the lower 90s will be common over inland areas, with a few mid-90s expected over the inland Big Bend, NWS Tallahassee said. Maybe, for some areas. Isolated to scattered showers and storms could develop Sunday afternoon in Northeast Florida, but dry conditions are expected in the Panhandle. Don't expect any rain to move south. "The weekend is forecast to remain rain-free for most," NWS Melbourne said. Dangerous rip currents are expected through late Saturday along much of Florida's east coast, according to NWS Melbourne and Miami. "Entering the surf is strongly discouraged." "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water." If caught in a rip current: Relax and float Don't swim against the current If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help Saturday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 82. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming south 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight. Follow National Weather Service Mobile on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Patchy fog before 8 a.m. Otherwise, partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Sunday: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon. Sunday night: A 10 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Follow the National Weather Service Tallahassee on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind around 6 mph. Saturday night: A slight chance of showers between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Southeast wind 5 to 8 mph becoming southwest after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 10%. Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 90. Light and variable wind becoming northeast 5 to 9 mph in the morning. Sunday night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8 p.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Follow the National Weather Service Jacksonville on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south southwest after midnight. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming east in the afternoon. Sunday night: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind around 5 mph. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Light and variable wind becoming east 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 84. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Saturday night: Patchy fog after 4 a.m. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 63. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Sunday: Patchy fog before 9 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph in the afternoon. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 65. East southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind around 11 mph. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. East wind 7 to 11 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 80. East wind 5 to 10 mph. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. East wind 8 to 10 mph. Follow the Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. East wind around 11 mph. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. East wind 7 to 10 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 6 to 8 mph. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 74. East wind 6 to 10 mph. Follow the Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 86. East wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming west 5 to 9 mph in the afternoon. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening. Follow the Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 92. East wind around 6 mph. Saturday night: Clear, with a low around 67. West wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 92. Calm wind becoming west southwest 5 to 7 mph in the afternoon. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. West wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 81. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Saturday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Northwest wind 6 to 11 mph becoming northeast after midnight. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 81. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph becoming north northeast after midnight. Follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on X, formerly known as Twitter Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 91. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Saturday night: Clear, with a low around 66. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 93. South southwest wind around 5 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon. Sunday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. East southeast wind around 5 mph. Follow the National Weather Service Melbourne on X, formerly known as Twitter We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida weather forecast: Beach conditions, dangerous rip currents
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Where are the fires in Florida? Drought conditions worsen with no rain in the forecast
The number of wildfires burning across Florida almost doubled over the weekend. The cool mornings associated with the arrival of a cold front meant enjoyable weather for most of the state, but sunny skies and no rain are making drought conditions worsen, especially in the hardest-hit areas. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location South and Southwest Florida are among the areas seeing the worst conditions. "Sensitive fire weather conditions" are forecast to continue across east central Florida through much of the week, according to the National Weather Service Melbourne. Monday morning, April 14, there were 62 wildfires burning, up from 39 April 11 and 33 on April 10, according to the Florida Forest Service. The average statewide drought index increased Sunday to 360. The National Weather Service has not issued any red flag warnings as of 10 a.m. Monday. Red flag warnings were issued over the weekend for portions of the state's interior and east-central Florida. Dry conditions and sunny skies are expected to continue Monday, April 14, bringing "sensitive to elevated wildfire conditions" to the Big Bend, Northeast and interior Central and South Florida, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. Light winds are are helping keep conditions below the criteria required for a red flag warning. A red flag warning is issued when "critical fire weather conditions" are in place. "A red flag warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger," the National Weather Service said. Forecasters said residents under a red flag warning should follow this advice: If you are allowed to burn in your area, all burn barrels must be covered with a weighted metal cover, with holes no larger than 3/4 of an inch. Do not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road. Extinguish all outdoor fires properly. Drown fires with plenty of water and stir to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Dunk charcoal in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Never leave a fire unattended. Sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, the largest wildfires burning in Florida as of April 11 were (data is updated every Friday): East Marsh Fire: One mile west of DeLand. 3,377 acres. Now 100% contained. Fernadez Fire: Four miles northeast of Lake Kathryn. 565 acres. Now 100% contained. Red Horse Fire: Fire started on private land seven miles northwest of Bowling Green. 390 acres. Now 100% contained. "Wildfire names are generally based on the geographic location of the fire or a nearby geographic feature," according to Tim Brown, communications manager with the Florida Forest Service in an email. "For example, the '344 Fire' was due to its location near 344 Street." Expect plenty of sunshine with a near-zero chance for rain Monday, April 14, as a system of high pressure remains over the Gulf Coast, according to the Florida Department of Emergency Management. Forecast for Monday, April 14: Western Panhandle, Pensacola: Sunny. High 75. Low 66. Central Panhandle, Tallahassee: Sunny. High 82. Low 57. Northeast Florida, Jacksonville: Sunny. High 85. Low 57. East Coast, Central Florida from Daytona Beach to Stuart: Sunny. High 81. Low 62. South Florida, West Palm Beach, Naples: Sunny. High 79. Low 68. Southwest Florida, Fort Myers to Sarasota: Sunny. High 76. Low 67. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index average for Florida was 360 Sunday. The drought index uses a scale from 0, which is very wet, to 800, which is very dry. As of Sunday, April 14, there were 18 Florida counties with a mean Keetch-Byram Drought Index over 500, which means drought or increased fire danger. Counties with drought index over 600, which is associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurring: Hendry: 601 Lee: 608 Counties with drought index in the 500s: Broward: 538 Charlotte: 569 Collier: 593 DeSoto: 531 Glades: 558 Hardee: 570 Lake: 545 Manatee: 550 Martin: 507 Miami-Dade: 539 Monroe: 555 Palm Beach: 583 Pasco: 522 Sarasota: 560 Sumter: 531 Volusia: 507 Another 12 of Florida's 67 counties have index numbers in the 400s. Six counties are within 25 points of hitting 500: Hernando: 485 Highlands: 499 Hillsborough: 492 Orange: 486 Polk: 493 Seminole: 483 Here's an explanation of what the Keetch-Byram Drought Index numbers mean, according to the Wildland Fire Assessment System. 0-200: Soil moisture and large-class fuel moistures are high and do not contribute much to fire intensity. Typical of spring dormant season following winter precipitation. 200-400: Typical of late spring, early growing season. Lower litter and duff layers are drying and beginning to contribute to fire intensity. 400-600: Typical of late summer, early fall. Lower litter and duff layers actively contribute to fire intensity and will burn actively. 600-800: Often associated with more severe drought with increased wildfire occurrence. Intense, deep burning fires with significant downwind spotting can be expected. Live fuels can also be expected to burn actively at these levels. According to the Florida Forest Service, burn bans are in place for the following counties: Charlotte Collier Glades Hendry Highlands Lake Sarasota The open burning of yard debris is always prohibited in these counties: Duval Hillsborough Orange Pinellas Yet another weak cold front is expected to move through Florida April 15-16, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. While chances of rain are low, the front is expected to bring a "reinforcing shot of drier and slightly cooler air" for the middle of the week. It won't last long. Temperatures will climb the latter half of the week and into the weekend. We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida wildfires, drought. See forecast, cold front, no rain
