Fort Lauderdale, FL – Coastal communities across South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, are facing elevated beach hazards through Friday night, with the National Weather Service warning of high surf and dangerous rip currents.
According to the National Weather Service Miami office, wave heights along Broward and Palm Beach County beaches are expected to reach between 6 and 8 feet through the day. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect, along with a Rip Current Risk advisory for all Atlantic beaches. These conditions are expected to create hazardous swimming environments, prompting officials to urge beachgoers to stay out of the water and heed lifeguard instructions.
A Small Craft Advisory is also in effect for local Gulf and Atlantic waters, with seas between 5 and 8 feet and sustained east winds of 15 to 25 knots. Wind gusts may reach up to 30 mph, posing additional risks for boaters and small vessels.
Daytime temperatures will remain seasonally warm, ranging from the upper 70s along the coast to mid-80s inland. Overnight lows will dip to the mid-60s to low 70s.
Residents and visitors are advised to monitor local alerts, avoid entering rough waters, and secure light marine equipment. Conditions are expected to gradually improve heading into the weekend.
