Will thunderstorms drench Miami’s Ultra Music Festival? Here’s what the forecast says
More than 100,000 people are expected to dance this weekend to the beat of electronic music at Ultra Music Festival, an annual, three-day outdoor party at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami.
But for the festivalgoers attending, you might need a raincoat — as severe thunderstorms, widespread heavy rainfall, localized flooding, hail and a few tornadoes are possible while a strong low-pressure system moves into the region, according to weather experts.
The hazardous weather is set to begin Friday, with its primary threats being damaging wind gusts and a few tornadoes. The highest impact is forecast from Friday evening through Saturday morning.
Will thunderstorms drench Ultra?
Here’s what the National Weather Service is forecasting:
How much rain is expected?
Excessive rainfall could result in localized flash flooding in urban areas and locations with poor drainage.
Miami-Dade and Broward counties are under a flood watch through Saturday evening.
READ MORE: Heading downtown for Ultra, Miami Heat or ‘Hamilton?’ Expect detours, street shutdowns
Rainfall totals of two to four inches are estimated to fall across the region, but five or more inches of rain are possible in some areas in the southern half of Miami-Dade.
What about the wind?
Gusty winds are anticipated with 20-30 mph sustained winds and gusts up to 60 mph on Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.
READ MORE: Miami Music Week returns with techno-fueled line ups at events all around the county
A wind advisory is in effect from Friday afternoon to Saturday evening for areas closest to the Atlantic Coast. Objects that are outdoors should be secured and caution should be taken if driving.
Mar 22 @ 1 PM - Greatest potential for strong to severe storms currently remains over extreme southern Florida & the Florida Keys. Moderate to heavy rain continues to fall across the region which could set the stage for localized flooding with additional rounds of rainfall. #flwx pic.twitter.com/PDqMIHvY3d
— NWS Miami (@NWSMiami) March 22, 2024
Beware of coastal hazards
Those planning to go to the beach or hop on a boat might have to reconsider their plans.
Dangerous marine conditions are expected starting Friday. Conditions should gradually improve early next week as winds and seas subside.
The risk of rip currents will remain high along the Atlantic Coast into next week.
When will the downpour cease?
Weather is forecast to improve Sunday and into next week with dry conditions, gradually subsiding winds and seasonable temperatures.
