Rip Current, Cold Weather Warnings Go Up Around the Bay

While sunshine and blue skies dominate the forecast for the remainder of the week, they may come at a price.

The National Weather Service is warning residents throughout the Tampa Bay area of the potential for rough waters and the likelihood of much colder temperatures in the coming days.

A rip current statement has been issued for Tampa Bay area beaches. The likelihood of rip current development in the coastal areas is moderate, forecasters say. As a result they are asking those who venture into local waters to pay attention to lifeguard warnings.

Rip currents are strong channels of water that flow quickly away from shore. Swimmers, even strong ones, can become quickly exhausted from trying to fight these currents, the weather service advises.

Swimmers caught in such currents are instructed to swim parallel to shore and then swim back to the beach once they are free from the current’s force.

The latest rip current warning remains in effect until 10 p.m. Tuesday. The service, however, warns that rip current development is also possible Friday through Sunday.

Small craft operators are urged to use caution on local waters, especially over the weekend, as well.

Forecasters also say there is a strong possibility for much chillier weather in the days ahead. Freezing temperatures are possible Friday morning through Monday morning, mainly along the Nature Coast’s interior.

Those freezing temperatures aren’t expected to reach the Tampa Bay area proper, but forecasters say it will become rather chilly in the nighttime hours as the week progresses.

As of Tuesday morning, the forecast for the rest of the workweek in the Tampa Bay area includes sunny days with highs in the mid- to upper-60s. Lows are expected to drop into the mid-40s overnight Tuesday and Wednesday. Lows overnight Thursday and Friday will dip down to about 40 with daytime temperatures Saturday expected to only reach about 63 degrees.

For a complete look at Tampa Bay area weather, visit the National Weather Service online.

Image via Shutterstock

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