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Florida State Watch Office Morning Situation Report for Thursday, February 26, 2026

Florida Division of Emergency Management sent this bulletin at 02/26/2026 10:00 AM EST

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Florida State Watch Office Morning Situation Report

EOC Activation Level: Level 2

Meteorological Summary:

Following our transition day on Wednesday, isolated pockets of patchy fog and low clouds were present this morning as low-level moisture gradually returns to the Sunshine State.
Spotty showers this morning along the Florida Panhandle will set the stage for increasing rain chances (40-60%), becoming increasingly widespread this evening and overnight (50-80% chance of rain).
Southerly winds build ahead of our next frontal system, with wind gusts reaching 20-25 mph across North Florida and localized gusts upwards of 30 mph possible along the immediate coastline.
A mixture of sunshine and clouds can be expected throughout the Florida Peninsula, with a slight chance for a few showers this afternoon across Southeast Florida (20-25%).
The primary weather headline today will continue to be sensitive to elevated wildfire conditions across the Florida Peninsula, with Red Flag Warnings going into effect this afternoon across East-Central Florida until 6:00 PM EST.
While low-level moisture returns, long-term drought and extremely dry fuels/vegetation will continue to promote wildfire ignition and spread.
Areas of dense smoke will likely pool near ongoing wildfires or burns; this is especially impactful near the large wildfire (National Wildfire) burning within Big Cypress National Preserve where periods of reduced visibility are likely along Alligator Alley (I-75) in Collier and Broward Counties.
Tonight, areas of fog and low clouds will develop; where fog and smoke combine, visibility reductions may become significant, creating hazardous nighttime driving conditions.
A high risk of rip currents continues for Florida Panhandle, East-Central Florida, and Southeast Florida beaches; moderate risk conditions reside along Northeast Florida beaches.

To view the complete Morning Situation Report, please select the link below.

Morning Situation Report

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