South Florida Faces Juneteenth Heatwave & Wildfire Smoke

South Florida is experiencing a significant heatwave, with a heat advisory in effect for Broward and Miami-Dade counties until 7 p.m. today, as temperatures could reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity. This extreme heat is expected to continue through Juneteenth. Wildfires in west Miami-Dade, including the Well Fire (1,310 acres, 50% contained), Quarry 2 Fire (17,200 acres, 75% contained), and Coptic Fire (1,680 acres, 40% contained), are contributing to poor air quality.

Residents with respiratory conditions are cautioned to minimize outdoor activities due to potential smoke. While Friday's winds are expected to carry smoke northward, it may drift into coastal areas later tonight and overnight. The National Weather Service rates Broward and most of Miami-Dade at a Level 1 risk for severe weather and excessive rainfall.

Relief from the heat may come with the return of wet weather, including scattered showers and storms developing over the weekend, particularly for Father's Day. These storms could bring isolated heavy downpours, posing a localized flooding risk. High temperatures will remain in the low 90s with heat indices in the upper 90s and triple digits. The summer solstice, marking the longest daylight of the year, occurs on Sunday, June 21.