textproduct: Key West

KEY MESSAGES

- Windy conditions will ensue Friday, continuing through at least early next week. Small Craft Advisory conditions expected for all Keys waters, with near-gale conditions possible.

- Frequent fast-moving showers with possible thunderstorms will push through the Keys at times, mainly Friday night through Monday.

- Seasonal king tides combined with northeasterly winds will lead to coastal flooding through early next week, with the greatest impacts in the Upper Keys.

DISCUSSION

Issued at 930 PM EDT Wed Oct 21 2026

Cool post cold front conditions persist across the Keys this evening thanks to a broad high pressure system blanketing the eastern United States. Surface winds are light out of the north to northeast late this evening and keeping dry conditions with dew points in the lower to mid 60s. Most local observations have temperatures broadly in the mid to upper 70s. However, with light breezes and clear skies, some sheltered and interior locations have already been able to radiate quite a bit. Our backyard thermometer is reading 72 degrees this hour. The Big Pine RAWS station reported 69 degrees and had fallen 4 degrees in one hour. This evenings sounding indicated a broad nose of inhibition based around 850 mb with considerable dry air above. It is not surprising that no shower activity has been detected on local radars.

Through the overnight, the effects of earlier day time heating will dissipate, allowing light north to northeasterly breezes to firm up, becoming a gentle northeasterly breeze. Until breezes pick up, there will be room for further radiational cooling provided an incoming cirrus doesn't shut it down. Expect overnight lows to range quite a bit from the mid 60s in sheltered locations to lower to mid 70s elsewhere. The coolest temperatures will likely occur early then hold steady or warm slightly as winds pickup. Dry and stable conditions will continue and no rain is expected along the island chain.

MARINE

Issued at 930 PM EDT Wed Oct 21 2026

Broad high pressure blanketing the eastern United States will maintain a steady north to northeasterly breeze overnight. Earlier mainland day time heating has pulled back breezes to a light north to northeasterly flow in recent hours. However, winds will strengthen slightly to a gentle to moderate north to northeasterly breeze overnight. A few showers will be possible, primarily on our southern waters. Only small adjustments made in the evening marine update.

AVIATION

(00Z TAFS) Issued at 930 PM EDT Wed Oct 21 2026

VFR conditions will prevail overnight. Surface winds will start out light out of the north, increasing slightly to gentle north to northeasterly.

KEY WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

FL...Coastal Flood Advisory for FLZ076. GM...None.