Southeast Heat Dome Expands Toward Florida, 90-Degree Highs Signal Early Taste of Summer Across the Region
FLORIDA — A strengthening upper-level ridge is expanding across the Southeast, with the core of a developing heat dome centered over Florida, where temperatures near 90 degrees are projected for Tampa, Miami, and surrounding areas late next week.
Heat Dome Building Across the Southeast
Forecast imagery shows a strengthening ridge of high pressure expanding over the southeastern United States. This feature — commonly referred to as a heat dome — traps warm air beneath it, allowing temperatures to steadily climb over several days.
Under this developing ridge, the jet stream is displaced well to the north, limiting the intrusion of cooler air masses. The Southeast, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, will sit beneath a broad zone of sinking air, promoting sunshine and rising temperatures.
Florida Flirts With 90 Degrees
The most intense warmth is projected across the Florida Peninsula, particularly near Tampa and Miami, where temperatures are forecast to approach or exceed the 90-degree mark.
Late next week, highs across central and southern Florida may run well above seasonal averages, delivering what many residents will recognize as a true preview of summer conditions. The combination of strong March sun and persistent high pressure will enhance daytime heating, especially in inland areas away from immediate coastal cooling influences.
Jet Stream Shift Drives Pattern Change
Upper-air analysis highlights the jet stream arcing north of the Southeast, stretching across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley. With the primary storm track displaced northward, the Southeast remains largely shielded from organized frontal systems.
This configuration favors:
Extended periods of dry weather
Minimal cloud cover
Steady temperature increases
Such a setup allows warm air from the Gulf and subtropical regions to build northward, reinforcing the heat dome’s strength.
What This Means for the Carolinas
While Florida is expected to experience the highest temperatures, the broader Southeast — including North Carolina — will feel the warming trend as well.
Highs are projected to climb steadily into the upper 70s and possibly low 80s in parts of the Carolinas if the ridge strengthens as modeled. Though not as extreme as Florida’s 90-degree potential, the pattern signals a noticeable departure from typical early spring variability.
Overnight lows may also trend milder under the persistent ridge, limiting nighttime cooling and contributing to the overall warm feel.
Early-Season Heat Considerations
Although this is not an extreme summer heat wave, early-season warmth can still catch residents off guard. The sudden shift from late-winter patterns to near-summer temperatures can impact:
Outdoor plans and recreation
Energy usage as cooling demand increases
Seasonal allergies due to accelerated plant growth
With limited rainfall expected beneath the ridge, soils may also begin drying more quickly in some areas.
Timing of the Warm Surge
Current projections indicate the most pronounced warming will occur late next week, as the ridge peaks in strength over the Southeast. Confidence is moderate that Florida will see at least brief periods of near-90-degree warmth, especially across the central and southern peninsula.
If the jet stream remains suppressed northward, the warm pattern could linger beyond a few days before any meaningful frontal boundary re-enters the region.
Residents across the Southeast should monitor updated forecasts as small shifts in the ridge’s placement could influence exactly how far north the hottest air extends.
As this early taste of summer develops, share your local temperatures and conditions with us at CabarrusWeekly.com and let us know how the changing season is shaping up in your community.
