Florida Sea Breeze Storms, Chasing Again Today

Sea Breeze Thunderstorms over Florida May 2007 East and west coast sea breeze thunderstorm magic came alive yesterday evening over interior South Florida, south of Lake Okeechobee. I set up actually on the north end of the lake and shot across the water. The storms were a good 35 miles south of me. I just wanted to capture the wide angle of the thunderstorms instead of blasting south to get a closer angle on the storm. These storms are also known as air mass thunderstorms. The heat of the day, along with sea breeze boundaries, set them off, but the are normally short-lived.

The east coast sea breeze boundary was very sharp on Wednesday, and several strong storms developed along this native boundary. The storms began to back build westward along the boundary, with new exploding convection further west. The last of the cells developed just after dark, and this is when I set up to shoot some time lapse lightning videography, and some time exposures of the storm. All in all, a very enjoyable evening chasing storms once again.

Expecting another round of Florida fun sea breeze thunderstorm action later this afternoon and into the evening hours. East and west coast breeze boundaries, along with the lake breeze boundaries, will make for some great convergence today. Better instability today, and forcing, could lead to a impressive lightning as well. Could have several rounds of pulse storms today, and I’m likely to be south of the lake area by mid afternoon into the evening shooting video and photos.

It’s great to start and see some signs of our rainy season coming into view. This Florida drought is really taking a toll on the inland area’s and water supply. Every thunderstorm we can get with rain over the interior, the better, plus it keeps me busy as well.

In the zone today, off to play with convection…

Mobile Update: 1:58pm et:

Sitting along the east coast sea breeze boundry, where strong thunderstorms have developed. A early start to the deep convection today, and expect more has more outflow boundaries spark off new cells later further inland. Attm just watching cells a few miles west from Martin County storm. Waiting for the better isolated cells later. On things for sure, it feels like summer out here today with temperatures in the lower 90s. I love it!

Cells have just gone severe. Warning just issed for the cell I’m looking at. I’m going to move in closer now as it looks to be back building. Nice overshooting top, which is likely causing the hail reports coming over the radio. Little movments, so some are seeing some very heavy rainfall.

Evening update:8:08pm et

Just getting in from a 6 hour chase today, and about 280 miles. Intercepted 3 strong storms, one being well structured and put on a wild show for me. I dead tired and need to eat, so look for a full update in tomorrow morning post. Also more storms expected for tomorrow.

Playing With Thunderstorm Outflow Boundaries

Don’t Mess With Florida Lightning

Florida Lightning Strike Video Archive