This weekend, South Florida is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures nearing record levels in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, as reported by CBS4's NEXT Weather team.
On Saturday, Miami reached a forecasted high of 92°F (33.3°C), just 1°F shy of the all-time record of 93°F set on May 2, 1937. Fort Lauderdale saw temperatures hit 91°F, only two degrees below the 2002 record of 93°F.
The heat index across the metropolitan area hovered in the upper 90s, with Miami potentially reaching 100°F between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Even the Florida Keys felt the heat, with the heat index ranging between 90 and 95°F over the weekend.
West Palm Beach recorded a heat index of 101°F on Saturday, marking the first triple-digit heat index of the year in the entire region.
Weekend temperatures were four to eight degrees Fahrenheit above the historical averages for this time of year, driven by southwestern winds from a high-pressure system over the Atlantic and a stationary front in the Gulf of Mexico.
This heatwave is part of a recurring trend of extreme heat in the region. In May 2024, Miami recorded its hottest May ever, with a heat index of 112°F on the 18th, shattering the previous daily record by 11°F.
The same month, Fort Lauderdale reached 98°F on May 13, 2024, the hottest day in 15 years for the city.
In July 2025, an extreme heatwave continued to impact Florida, with heat indices reaching up to 105°F in the southern part of the state.
Heat advisories in Miami-Dade and Broward are issued when the heat index exceeds 105°F for at least two consecutive hours, a threshold not met during this heat episode.
However, this weekend's heat will be short-lived: a cold front has arrived in South Florida, bringing threats of rain, storms, and flash floods.
After the front passes, temperatures are expected to drop to below-average levels for this season, with forecasts indicating rain chances until Tuesday. Following this, weather conditions are expected to clear, and temperatures will return to the mid-80s°F.
Understanding South Florida's Heatwave
What caused the recent heatwave in South Florida?
The heatwave was driven by southwestern winds from a high-pressure system over the Atlantic and a stationary front in the Gulf of Mexico.
How does this heatwave compare to previous years?
This heatwave aligns with a trend of recurring extreme heat. For instance, in May 2024, Miami experienced its hottest May on record, and a similar pattern was observed in July 2025.
What are the expected weather conditions following the heatwave?
A cold front is expected to bring rain, storms, and potential flooding. After the front passes, temperatures should drop below average, with rain chances persisting until Tuesday before clearing up.