If you listen to the local forecast, you may never get out on the water. It almost always sounds discouraging. That's because most forecasts cover too wide of an area to be useful to you as a boater. Here is some general weather information that can help:
In South Florida it�s important that you determine whether rain in the forecast is �scattered� (very common) or an all-day event (uncommon.) Florida rain is highly compact, powerful and (most of the time) isolated.
See photo of "isolated" thunderstorm.
RAINY SEASON (May 21-October 17): As the name states, the bulk of South Florida�s rain falls at this time. A typical day starts with sun. With the sunshine, the air temperature rises throughout the early afternoon. Heat-generated thunderstorms bring isolated heavy rains about 4pm. It will pour for 5-30 minutes. The rain then clears out for the evening. These thunderstorms are very compact and hit only portions of the area. For instance, it can be pouring at one location but dry a few hundred yards away.
Watch for �tropical waves� that can occur during this time of year. They can bring on more persistent rainfall. However, boating is still possible during a tropical wave. The storms can last all day and look nasty on radar, but the rain comes in bands. There can be several hours between storms. The seas can be remarkably calm on rainy days.
THE DRY SEASON (October 18-May 20): Relatively little rain falls at this time, although showers are still common from October-March. Spring can be especially dry. March, April and May are wonderful boating months with a lot of sunshine. Seas are generally rougher during the dry season.
CONVENTIONAL WISDOM ON RAIN/THUNDERSTORMS: You will see these rain storms over land or open water. Many times the rain curtains are backlit and easy to see. The storms are well defined. Most times you can determine where the storm is headed by checking the wind directions and movement of the higher altitude clouds. If you can see a storm it does not necessarily mean it will hit you (or even come your way.) The storms may look bad, but chances are most will miss you.
If you go out on a day when �scattered� or �isolated� thunderstorms are forecast, chances are you will get caught in a downpour for 5-30 minutes, but will otherwise have dry conditions. If you can ride out the brief storm the rest of the day is yours.
The only days I avoid going out altogether are when storms are associated with a strong �front� or �topical� storm. These are days when rain can fall consistently throughout most of the day.
SEAS/CHOP: The ocean can be remarkably calm during the mornings from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Atlantic looks like a lake. This is when many local boaters will attempt runs to the Bahamas or the Keys. The wind kicks up later in the day and seas of 2-4 feet are common. Higher seas are common Labor Day-Memorial Day.
POLLEN: In early spring you will see yellow dust on your car and boat. You will also see it collect in puddles and ponds. This is pollen from the area's abundant plant life. Pollen can make your nose run, eyes itch and your head ache. It can also make you feel as though you have a cold, but you really do not. These allergies to pollen are easily treated with antihistamines.
Tree pollen is typicaly worst west of I-95 because of the Everglades. The effects of the sea generally keep pollen levels down east of I-95.
Pollen is at its worst in the early morning and at dusk. Keep your windows closed and avoid outdoor activity at these times. Also avoid being outside when it's windy, as the wind stirs up pollen.
If you have a lot of pollen on your car, check to make sure it hasn't gathered in the air filter and restricted air flow to your engine.
South Florida's pollen season is relatively mild compared with many places up north. It generally lasts about a month, then disappears as quickly as it began.
LIGHTNING: Florida is the lightning capital of the world. Of course it is best to avoid being on your boat when lightning is in the area (especially on open water.) Many times lightning seems to occur just as the storm is about to exit the area. Click here for more information on lighting and Florida boating.
Lightning Myths and Facts
MYTH: If it is not raining, then there is no danger from lightning. FACT: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.
MYTH: The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning. FACT: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. However, the steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. Although you may be injured if lightning strikes your car, you are much safer inside a vehicle than outside.
MYTH: People struck by lightning carry an electrical charge and should not be touched. FACT: Lightning-strike victims carry no electrical charge and should be attended to immediately. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information on CPR and first aid classes.
MYTH: "Heat lightning" occurs after very hot summer days and poses no threat. FACT: What is referred to as "heat lightning" is actually lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for thunder to be heard. However, the storm may be moving in your direction!
Lightning Safety
If lightning is occurring and a sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
Get out of boats and away from water.
Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances. Use phones ONLY in an emergency.
Do not take a bath or shower.
Turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.
If Caught Outdoors and No Shelter Is Nearby:
Find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding.
If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground.
If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately!
(Average Temperatures West Palm)
Hi/Lo Hi/Lo
January 64 44 July 86 60
February 74 49 August 88 60
March 77 49 September 87 58
April 78 50 October 73 54
May 81 53 November 70 49
June 83 56 December 65 47