Meteorologist: Zach Maloch
•5/18/2026

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) — The Weather Authority is monitoring how weather conditions are impacting ongoing wildfires in Collier County.
Two active wildfires — one in the Picayune Strand Forest and another just north of Alligator Alley east of Golden Gate — continue to burn Monday evening. Moderate to heavy rain moved over the fires for about 30 minutes earlier in the afternoon. That helped reduce some of the flames, but the rain and subsequent increase in pressure will keep smoke closer to the surface and more noticeable across Collier County.
Tuesday will start in the lower to mid-70s with just a few clouds. Temperatures will warm into the lower 90s by the afternoon, with a good mix of sun and clouds throughout the day. Scattered storms will develop during the afternoon, with 40% rain coverage across Southwest Florida. With a stronger easterly wind in place, most of the later-day storm activity will likely shift closer to the coast as the Gulf sea breeze gets pinned inland.
Wednesday looks slightly drier overall, with morning temperatures remaining in the 70s. A few afternoon storms will still be possible, but rain coverage should be more limited compared to earlier in the week. With more sunshine expected, temperatures will feel hotter as highs climb into the lower to mid 90s.
The Weather Authority is tracking decreasing rain coverage later this workweek. You can find the latest updates on TV on WINK News.