High Surf Advisories Go Up On Local Beaches

CLEARWATER, FL – Beachgoers and boaters hoping to enjoy a long New Year’s weekend on local waters are being asked to exercise caution.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for the coastal areas of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties until 3 p.m. Wednesday. Rip tides are also a concern in those areas.

Weather service forecasters are asking swimmers to heed lifeguard warnings and pay attention to conditions before diving in. Small craft operators are also being asked to take care on local waters.

While the rip current and high surf advisories are set to expire Wednesday afternoon, the weather service says rough conditions may stick around for a few days. In its Hazardous Weather Report for Wednesday, the service noted the cold front will bring increasing north to northeast winds behind it. Wind speeds over the next few days are likely to rise to 20 to 33 knots, making for potentially hazardous conditions for small craft operators into the weekend.

The cold front coming in also brings some chances for rain in the overnight hours Wednesday. The high temperature should climb into the low 80s followed by an overnight low in the upper 60s.

More rain is possible in some parts of the Bay area Thursday night. The day’s high is expected to climb into the upper 70s to low 80s.

New Year’s Day also presents with some rain chances in the afternoon and evening hours. The high is expected to only reach the upper 70s to low 80s with an overnight low in the low 60s.

For an extended forecast for your neighborhood, visit your local Patch homepage.

Patch file photo