Florida – Waves roll in steadily this morning along South Florida’s shoreline, but the real danger hides beneath the surface. Strong rip currents are pulling away from the coast, creating life-threatening conditions as holiday crowds begin to grow.
A High Rip Current Risk remains in effect from early Monday morning through Tuesday evening for coastal Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. According to the National Weather Service in Miami, persistent onshore winds and elevated surf are creating dangerous swimming conditions, even for strong swimmers.
Morning temperatures sit in the low to mid-70s, and skies remain mostly clear. Breezy northeast winds increase through the day, gusting over 20 mph at times. These winds strengthen rip currents and can make the ocean appear rougher by afternoon, especially near inlets and jetties.
Beachgoers are urged to stay out of the water unless lifeguards are present. If caught in a rip current, officials advise floating to stay calm and swimming parallel to shore to escape. Fighting the current directly can lead to rapid exhaustion.
This alert comes as South Florida enjoys warm, inviting weather during the first official week of winter. Highs climb into the upper 70s through midweek, drawing locals and visitors alike to the beaches ahead of Christmas Eve. While inland conditions remain quiet, coastal hazards remain the top concern.
Travelers visiting Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach should plan safer alternatives today and Tuesday. Walking along the shore is far safer than swimming, and parents should keep children well back from the waterline.
Rip current risks may ease later Tuesday evening, but similar hazards often return quickly during winter wind patterns. Beach safety matters year-round in Florida. Heading to the coast today? What are the conditions like where you are?
Five-Day Outlook for Miami, FL
- Monday: Breezy with slight shower chance, high near 78.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and breezy, high near 79.
- Wednesday (Christmas Eve): Sunny and warm, high near 78.
- Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, pleasant, high near 79.
- Thursday: Mostly clear and mild, high near 78.
