Miami Florida for 03-16-2025

Severe Marine Conditions Threaten South Florida Waters

A potent cold front is poised to create hazardous marine conditions across South Florida waters today, with significant impacts expected through early next week. The National Weather Service Miami has issued multiple small craft advisories, warning boaters and maritime interests of challenging sailing conditions.

Strong southerly winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots with gusts up to 30 knots will dominate coastal and offshore waters today. Seas will build to 4 to 5 feet, occasionally reaching 6 feet, making navigation treacherous for smaller vessels.

The Gulf Stream presents additional challenges, with its western wall currently positioned between 6 and 11 nautical miles offshore from various Florida locations. Mariners should exercise extreme caution in these dynamic maritime environments.

As the cold front approaches late Sunday night and moves through early Monday morning, conditions will dramatically shift. Winds will swing to the northwest, maintaining intense speeds of 15 to 25 knots. Wave heights are expected to increase, potentially reaching 8 to 10 feet in offshore waters.

Scattered thunderstorms are likely during the frontal passage, adding further complexity to marine navigation. The Atlantic coastal waters and Gulf waters will experience lingering hazardous conditions through mid-week, with northeast winds and significant wave heights persisting.

Local waters including Biscayne Bay and Lake Okeechobee will also experience choppy conditions, with small craft advisories in effect. Boaters are strongly advised to monitor updated forecasts and prioritize safety during this volatile weather pattern.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI