Wednesday, April 1, 2026
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⚠️ STRONG SHOWER ALERT — Doppler radar indicates a brief rain shower with gusty winds to around 30 knots moving west across Atlantic waters from Jupiter Inlet to Ocean Reef, out 20+ nm. Waterspouts possible. Mariners should seek safe harbor until activity passes. (NWS, issued 4:09 PM EDT)
Conditions Headline
Calm nearshore conditions across South Florida early this morning, with seas building only at the Space Coast. Buoy 41009 at Cocoa Beach (20 nm offshore) logged 4.9 ft with a 9-second period this morning — offshore swell is building, but nearshore surf remains 1–3 ft. From Deerfield south to Key Largo, offshore buoys show 3.0 ft or less with light winds and warm water in the mid-70s. The Treasure Coast (buoy 41114, 6.5 nm offshore) is showing 3.9 ft with a 9-second period and water at 75.7°F.
NWS marine forecast (AMZ630, issued this morning) warns of a strong brief rain shower capable of producing winds to 30 knots, located 13 nm east of Hillsboro Beach and moving west at 15 knots. The affected zone includes coastal waters from Jupiter Inlet to Ocean Reef, out to 20 nm and beyond. Mariners should expect gusty winds, locally higher waves, lightning, and heavy downpours. Waterspouts are possible. This activity is expected to pass relatively quickly; conditions should improve once it moves inland.
Narcosis Dive (West Palm Beach) confirmed dive conditions as of March 28 with 70–80 ft visibility, 75°F water, no current, and 1 ft waves — conditions from several days ago but consistent with calm nearshore patterns. Rainbow Reef in Key Largo has not posted a report this morning.
Blue Heron Bridge tide windows today are strong: high tide at 08:37 AM (2.7 ft, good window 8:07–9:07 AM) and again at 21:05 (2.95 ft, fair window 8:35–9:35 PM). Morning window is the priority with moderate wind from the east at 14.0 kt and protected tidal flow. Verify with your dive operator before booking.
Daily Data
Data sourcing: NOAA buoy observations are current as of this morning. Visibility estimates are predicted based on current seas, wind, and water temperature unless operator reports are available. All offshore buoy readings (marked OBSERVED) are from 6–23 nm from shore; nearshore visibility will be noticeably better in calm inlets and protected areas. A brief rain shower is moving inland, which may temporarily reduce visibility and increase surface chop — verify conditions with your operator before heading out.
Region | Conditions Rating | Vis | Temp | Seas | Wind / Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Space Coast (Cocoa Beach / Sebastian) | Marginal | 8–15 ft | No data | 4.9 ft | 11.7 kt ESE, Buoy 41009 (20 nm offshore) |
Treasure Coast (Vero / Ft Pierce) | Marginal | 15–25 ft | 75.7°F | 3.9 ft | Buoy 41114 (6.5 nm offshore), 9s period |
Blue Heron Bridge | Good | Tidal — 5–20 ft | 76.3°F | Protected | 14.0 kt E. High 08:37 AM (2.7 ft, good window). Watch for shower passing inland. |
Palm Beach / Singer Is. | Good | 20–40 ft | 76.3°F | 3.0 ft | 14.0 kt E. Buoy LKWF1 (inshore) |
Deerfield / Pompano | Good | 25–50 ft | 77.4°F | 3.0 ft | Buoy 41122 (23 nm offshore), 5s period |
Fort Lauderdale | Good | 25–50 ft | 77.4°F | 3.0 ft | Buoy 41122 (23 nm offshore), 5s period |
Miami / Key Biscayne | Good | 25–50 ft | 77.4°F | 3.0 ft | Buoy 41122 (23 nm offshore), 5s period |
Key Largo / Upper Keys | Good | 30–50 ft | 77.0°F | 3.0 ft | Buoy 42095 (15 nm offshore), 6s period |
Sources: NOAA AMZ630 marine forecast issued this morning. Buoy 41009 (Space Coast), 41114 (Treasure Coast), 41122 (Deerfield–Miami), 42095 (Key Largo), LKWF1 (Blue Heron Bridge / Palm Beach) all observed this morning UTC. Narcosis Dive (West Palm Beach) confirmed March 28, 2026. NOAA tide predictions for Lake Worth (BHB), station 8722588.
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Today on the Water — By Activity
Activity | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
🤿 Scuba Diving | Good | Blue Heron Bridge is your best bet today with a strong morning window (08:37 AM, 2.7 ft high). Visibility is tidal, 5–20 ft, and water is 76.3°F. East wind at 14 kt will build slightly as the day progresses. A brief rain shower is moving inland but shouldn't disrupt the morning dive window. Nearshore sites south of Palm Beach (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Keys) show 25–50 ft estimated visibility with 3 ft seas from offshore buoy 41122 (23 nm out) and water in the warm mid-to-upper 70s. Verify with your operator. |
🏄 Surfing | Marginal | Space Coast has the most swell: buoy 41009 (20 nm offshore) reads 4.9 ft with a 9-second period. Nearshore breaks will see 1–3 ft faces with occasional larger set waves. ESE wind at 11.7 kt is light and favorable early. Treasure Coast sees 3.9 ft offshore with longer 9-second interval — better consistency than central coast. No active rip current warnings, but always scout entry/exit before paddling out. A brief rain shower is moving through — visibility will be temporarily reduced, but conditions should improve once it passes inland. |
🚣 Kayak / SUP | Good | Inlets and protected bays are calm. Buoy LKWF1 (Blue Heron Bridge) shows 3.0 ft waves, 14 kt easterly wind, and 76.3°F water — manageable for paddlers. Nearshore from Deerfield to Miami shows 3.0 ft seas with light-to-moderate east wind. Launch from calm backcountry areas and stay within your comfort zone. The brief rain shower will pass quickly; monitor radar before departure. Water temperature is warm (mid-to-upper 70s), so cold-water precautions are minimal. |
⛵ Boating / Fishing | Marginal | NWS has issued an active marine alert for a strong brief rain shower with gusty winds to 30 knots across Atlantic waters from Jupiter Inlet to Ocean Reef out 20+ nm. This is moving west and should pass within an hour. Seek safe harbor until the shower passes. After departure, boating will be good: 3.0–3.9 ft seas offshore, light wind overall. Fishing should be productive in calm backcountry and along nearshore reefs. Verify with your captain and monitor radar. |
🏖️ Beach / Swimming | Good | Beaches are calm: 3.0 ft nearshore, warm water (mid-to-upper 70s), light to moderate east wind. UV index is Very High (8), so wear reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen. No rip current warnings. A brief rain shower is moving inland but will not prevent beach activities — it may even provide temporary relief from sun exposure. The main concern is the temporary visibility reduction and lightning risk during the shower; move away from open water when weather approaches, then return afterward. Check with your lifeguard. |
Week Outlook
Wednesday 🟡: Brief rain shower moving inland with gusty winds to 30 kt across Atlantic waters out 20+ nm. Nearshore conditions remain calm (3.0–4.9 ft offshore buoys, 1–3 ft nearshore). Shower should clear within an hour. After passage, conditions improve to Good across most regions.
Thursday 🟢: Forecast details not provided in NWS data. Check back for Thursday morning update.
Friday 🟢: Forecast details not provided in NWS data. Check back for Friday morning update.
Saturday 🟢: Forecast details not provided in NWS data. Check back for Saturday morning update.
All offshore sea heights from NOAA buoys 20-60 nm from shore. Nearshore conditions smaller. Always check with your operator.
Marine Life Sighting Alert
⚪ NO CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS TODAY
Narcosis Dive (West Palm Beach) confirmed dive conditions as of March 28 with 70–80 ft visibility and calm 1 ft waves, but no specific marine life notes. Rainbow Reef (Key Largo) has not posted a sighting report this morning. Check back tomorrow — operator logs update daily.
Sun & UV
Sunrise | Morning Golden Hour | Evening Golden Hour | Sunset | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7:16 AM | 7:16 AM – 8:01 AM | 6:47 PM – 7:32 PM | 7:32 PM | 8 · Very High — Wear reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen; UV burn risk is extreme. |
Daily Safety Tip
Waterspout Alert: Brief Rain Shower Moving Inland
A strong brief rain shower capable of producing 30-knot winds is moving west across Atlantic waters this morning. Waterspouts are possible with this activity. If you are on the water, monitor radar and seek safe harbor immediately if the shower approaches. Once the shower passes inland (expected within the hour), conditions will improve rapidly. Do not re-enter open water until lightning has ceased and visibility is restored. Check with your captain before heading out.
Disclaimer: The Florida Flow aggregates publicly available NOAA forecasts, buoy data, and operator logs. Conditions ratings are informational only. Buoy readings are from offshore stations 20-60 nm from shore. Nearshore and inshore conditions will be smaller. Always verify with your operator or captain before heading out. The Florida Flow is not responsible for decisions made based on this briefing. Never go out alone.
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