Fire Weather Watch in Effect Across South Florida
A Fire Weather Watch is in Effect Until 7 p.m. Thursday
A fire weather watch is in effect across South Florida until 7 p.m. Thursday, following the passage of Wednesday night’s front, which left the air bone dry. The combination of low humidity, lack of rain, and gusty winds has prompted a fire weather watch, meaning that “any fire that develops could catch and spread quickly. Outdoor burning is not recommended,” according to the National Weather Service.
Fire in Fort Lauderdale Today? Not Quite
Seeing smoke and wondering if there’s a fire in Broward County today? Not quite. The source of the smoke is actually a controlled burn that started last week in Palm Beach County. Some of that haze is being dragged down to Broward County by the northwest wind.
SMOKE ADVISORY: A smokey haze has blanketed much of our region. The source is believed to be far northwest of us, near Lake Okeechobee. A brisk NW wind is carrying it towards our area. pic.twitter.com/WKVJHm7cb0
— FLFR PIO (@FLFR411) March 6, 2025
The Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue warned residents that the haze seen over the area doesn’t currently present a hazard, but “folks with particularly sensitive respiratory systems should limit time outside until the haze clears.”
Future Forecast
Temperatures are still in the upper 60s as of 12:30 p.m., and highs are forecast to stay in the mid-70s. With that said, overnight lows are still expected to dive into the low- to mid-50s Thursday night, giving way to a delightful Friday. One thing about dry air is that it cools and warms rapidly. So by Friday, temperatures will bounce back into the mid- to upper-70s. South Florida still has a hot weekend on tap, and the heat might even break some records, especially by Sunday. Another front knocks temperatures back to near-average for the start of next week. Rain also looks to make a comeback by Monday.
Conclusion
With a fire weather watch in effect, it’s essential to be aware of the conditions and take necessary precautions. If you have any outdoor plans, make sure to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Stay tuned for further updates, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
FAQs
* What is a fire weather watch?
A fire weather watch is a warning issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for wildfires to start and spread quickly.
* Is the smoke in Fort Lauderdale a hazard?
No, the smoke is not currently a hazard, but residents with sensitive respiratory systems are advised to limit their time outside until the haze clears.
* What is the forecast for the weekend?
South Florida is expected to experience a hot weekend, with temperatures potentially breaking records, especially by Sunday.
