Melbourne Florida for 05-04-2025

Boaters Advised: Stormy Weather Ahead for East Central Florida Coastal Waters

The National Weather Service has issued a coastal waters forecast for East Central Florida that warns of potentially challenging maritime conditions this weekend and early next week. Mariners should prepare for an active weather pattern with increasing chances of thunderstorms and variable wind conditions.

A weakening front approaching the local waters creates a Marginal Risk for severe storms on Sunday and Monday. Boaters should be particularly cautious of potential hazards including damaging wind gusts up to 60 miles per hour, hail up to one inch in diameter, frequent lightning, and heavy rainfall potentially reaching one to two inches.

The Gulf Stream currently presents no specific hazards, with its western wall located varying distances offshore from different coastal inlets. For instance, the stream sits 41 nautical miles east of Ponce Inlet and just 8 nautical miles east of Saint Lucie Inlet.

Wind patterns are expected to shift from southwest to south and southeast throughout the week. Today and tonight, coastal areas will experience southwest to south winds around 10 to 15 knots, with seas ranging from 2 to 4 feet. Wave periods will typically be around 8 seconds, with moderate chop predicted for intracoastal waters.

Precipitation chances remain high, with showers and thunderstorms likely in the afternoon and evening hours. Mariners should anticipate increased storm activity, particularly on Sunday and Monday, with a slight chance of waterspouts.

By midweek, winds are forecast to stabilize around 5 to 15 knots from southeastern directions, with consistent seas around 2 to 3 feet. Thunderstorm risks will gradually diminish but remain a possibility, especially during afternoon hours.

Boaters are strongly advised to monitor current conditions, have multiple communication methods, and exercise caution when venturing onto coastal waters during this potentially turbulent period.