South Florida Heat: Wildfires, Smoke, and Storms Ahead

South Florida is bracing for a return to seasonable temperatures and a typical rainy season pattern. Highs will reach the low 90s, with heat indices feeling even warmer due to humidity. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop, bringing the possibility of heavy downpours, gusty winds, and lightning.

Several wildfires in western Miami-Dade are contributing to smoke and reduced air quality in some areas. The 22 Fire has burned 880 acres, the Vulture Fire 347 acres, the Chipmunk Fire 15,508 acres, the Lemur Fire 116 acres, and the Movie Dome Fire 6,222 acres. Smoke is expected to be steered west and towards the interior with the building southeast breeze. Saharan dust is also contributing to hazy skies.

Looking ahead, rain chances will slightly decrease on Tuesday before increasing mid- to late-week with daily scattered showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain near normal through the weekend. Additionally, the weather team is tracking two areas in the Atlantic for potential tropical development, each with a medium chance of forming into a tropical depression or storm within the next seven days.