Cold front's on way to Florida; fire threat high, hazardous seas, too

The same low-pressure system traveling over the Northeast on Thursday is pushing a cold front over Florida.

Much moisture is being squeezed out of the front as it progresses over Central Florida, and there will be even fewer rain chances for South Florida.

Central Florida could expect a few scattered showers to move over Seminole and Orange County after 4 p.m. through the early evening.

At the same time, the Tampa Bay area could also deal with some light, passing showers during the afternoon commute.

By 10 p.m., the front should be around Lake Okeechobee, but there won't be much rain attached to it anymore.

South Florida can expect a shift in winds overnight into Friday morning and another impulse of very dry air to take over to end the workweek and through much of the weekend.

Fire's burning in South Florida

A wildfire that started earlier this week closed an 18-mile stretch of U.S. 1 and continues to bring smoky skies and bad air quality to parts of the Florida Keys.

Miami-Dade and Florida Forest Service continue to fight the wildfire, approximately 24,000 acres and 30 percent contained as of Thursday afternoon. This wildfire is not threatening any homes or structures, but it is causing delays and detours to many traveling to and from the Keys during one of the busiest weeks of the year when many are on spring break.

The Florida Forest Service currently has 27 personnel on scene, along with multiple engines, tractors, bulldozers, three helicopters, and two fixed-wing airplanes. FFS strike teams from north and central Florida are also responding to the fire.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service have also responded with personnel and heavy equipment, including tanker aircraft. In addition to using heavy equipment and aviation, fire retardant has been used to help protect critical infrastructure in the area.

There is some smoke affecting the Homestead area. If the fires are not contained by Friday, the north winds will cause bad air quality over the northern portions of the Florida Keys and even southeastern Miami-Dade County.

A red flag warning continues to be in effect, and we forecast it to continue through the rest of the week and possibly into the weekend as drier weather sinks in place.

More worrisome is that the winds are set to increase after the cold front passes with gusts up to 20 mph on Friday for South Florida. A high-pressure system will move over Florida, making the winds subside for the weekend, and the north winds will continue, bringing dry air to the area.

Therefore, residents across South Florida and much of the peninsula are recommended to avoid any activities involving fires, which can cause sparks.

Will the temperatures drop after this cold front?

Temperatures on Friday morning will be in the low 40s across the Panhandle through North Florida. Central Florida will wake up to clear skies and temperatures in the mid to upper-40s, while Southwest Florida will have lows in the mid-50s and Southeast Florida around the upper-50s.

Crisp temperatures will reign in the Sunshine State, with a lot of sunshine on Friday and for much of the weekend. Highs on Friday will be in the mid-60s across the Panhandle, in the upper-60s across Central Florida, and the mid-70s across the South, with low humidity for all.

How about the beaches?

Friday will be a rough day across both coasts, with small craft advisories in place until late night, as there will be strong winds and high seas. There is also the risk of rip currents.

The marine area will experience improving conditions with decreasing seas and winds, mainly from the east-southeast, between 5 and 10 knots, just in time for the weekend.

Watch out for any flags that might be up at the beach, read the signage, and swim near a lifeguard.
Copyright 2025 Storm Center

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