South Florida Weather Radar
South Florida Live Weather
South Florida Live Weather Radar
South Florida Hourly Weather Forecast
South Florida 7-Day Weather Forecast
South Florida Weather Overview
South florida weather radar covers the tri-county metro of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach — the southernmost major metro in the continental United States. NWS WFO MFL (Miami) provides Doppler coverage for this tropical climate zone, where warm Atlantic air and Gulf Stream influence fuel intense storms year-round. Miami averages 61.9 inches of annual rainfall, and the region logs roughly 80 thunderstorm days per year — among the highest in the nation.
Hurricane season puts south florida weather radar to its hardest test. Three catastrophic storms struck in recent decades. Hurricane Andrew (1992) hit Homestead as a Category 5 with 175 mph winds, destroying 63,000+ homes and causing $27.3 billion in damage. Hurricane Wilma (2005) crossed the peninsula with 120 mph winds, leaving millions without power for weeks. Hurricane Irma (2017) tracked through the Keys and Miami as a Category 2, sending unprecedented storm surge into Biscayne Bay. Between tropical systems, sea-breeze thunderstorms build daily from May through October along the Everglades corridor.
Flash flooding and extreme heat add year-round risk. Dense development in Miami-Dade and Broward leaves little runoff room — moderate rain floods I-95 and US-1 fast. Summer heat indices regularly exceed 100°F. South florida weather radar updates every 10 minutes via RainViewer, so you can check south florida radar before heading to Fort Lauderdale Beach or Biscayne Bay. When a storm cell moves onshore fast, south florida weather radar gives you the 20-minute lead time to act.
South Florida Weather Risks & Safety
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Risk
South Florida sits in the path of Atlantic and Gulf tropical systems. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking in August and September when warm sea surface temperatures fuel rapid intensification. On the radar, you can track the eye wall, rain bands, and embedded tornadoes as a storm approaches. If you live in South Florida, keep your evacuation plan current and check the radar frequently once a tropical advisory is issued.
Flooding & Flash Flood Risk
Flash flooding is South Florida's most persistent weather hazard. Slow-moving thunderstorms or tropical moisture can dump enough rain to overwhelm drainage systems within hours — especially in paved urban areas where water has nowhere to go. Check the radar to see where the heaviest rain is falling and which areas to avoid. The standing rule: turn around, don't drown. Never drive through flooded roads, even if they look shallow.
Severe Thunderstorm Risk
Severe thunderstorms roll through South Florida regularly, especially spring through early fall. Expect damaging winds above 58 mph, large hail, and dangerous lightning. The radar shows you each storm cell's position, movement, and intensity — so you can tell if one is headed your way. When a thunderstorm warning drops for South Florida, get indoors and away from windows until it passes.
Extreme Heat Risk
Summers in South Florida get dangerously hot — heat indices regularly push past 100°F, and heat waves can last for weeks. When the radar shows clear skies with no storm activity for days, that usually means the heat is building. Outdoor workers, elderly residents, and anyone without reliable AC are most at risk. Stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors who might be struggling.
How to Use South Florida Weather Radar
Check Current Conditions
View the real-time weather bar at the top of the South Florida radar page — it shows temperature, humidity, wind speed, and current conditions for the Miami metro area at a glance.
Watch the Radar Map
The radar map shows precipitation moving across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Toggle between precipitation and cloud views, then hit play on the animation to see where storms are moving and how fast they're tracking toward the coast.
Monitor Hourly and 7-Day Forecasts
Scroll down to the hourly forecast to spot incoming rain bands or afternoon thunderstorm timing. Check the 7-day outlook for any tropical systems developing in the Atlantic or Gulf — South Florida's hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.
Act on Storm Alerts
When the radar shows a storm cell moving onshore from the Atlantic toward Fort Lauderdale Beach or Biscayne Bay, you have roughly 10-20 minutes before it arrives. Radar updates every 10 minutes — use that window to find shelter, delay a beach trip, or pull off I-95.
Who Benefits from South Florida Weather Radar
Commuters & Drivers
Drivers on I-95, I-595, and the Florida Turnpike — check radar before leaving to spot sudden afternoon downpours and flooded on-ramps.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Beachgoers at Fort Lauderdale Beach and Biscayne Bay — see afternoon storm cells forming over the Everglades 20 minutes before they hit.
Event Planners & Families
Outdoor events at Hard Rock Stadium and Marlins Park — radar shows exactly when afternoon thunderstorms will interrupt South Florida gatherings.
Outdoor Workers
Construction crews and port workers across Miami-Dade and Broward — check south florida radar before outdoor shifts; lightning risk is high from May through October.