Florida’s Atlantic coast looks calm at sunrise, but danger builds offshore. Palm fronds barely stir early, fog thins quickly, and the ocean hides its growing energy. By tonight, conditions change fast as a sharp cold front barrels through east-central Florida.
The National Weather Service in Melbourne warns of multiple coastal and marine hazards developing tonight and lasting into Monday. North to northeast winds increase to 20–30 mph, with gusts reaching 30–40 mph, especially along barrier islands and exposed beaches. Inland areas still see gusts near 30 mph.
Surf responds quickly. Wave heights build to 7–10 feet tonight, with brief peaks near 10 feet along the Volusia County coast. By Monday, surf remains dangerous at 6–8 feet, only slowly easing Monday night. These conditions create a high risk of rip currents, making swimming dangerous even for strong swimmers.
Beachgoers should also watch tides. Minor beach erosion is possible, particularly during periods of high tide tonight and Monday. Loose sand, dune edges, and walkovers may be impacted as waves pound the shoreline.
Boaters face the most serious threat. Behind the cold front, gale-force wind gusts are possible, with seas building 6–10 feet nearshore and up to 13 feet in the Gulf Stream. Intracoastal waters turn rough, and small craft should remain in port from Sunday night through Monday night.
Daytime conditions today remain mostly quiet inland. Highs reach the upper 70s to near 80 from Orlando to Melbourne and Vero Beach, with only isolated showers early near the Treasure Coast before clearing offshore.
