Rough Waters, Cooler Temps In Tampa Bay's Forecast

TAMPA, FL — Storms that tore through the Tampa Bay area Wednesday have cleared the area, but they’ve left behind some rough conditions on local waters and a chance for near-freezing temperatures in some parts of the region.

According to the National Weather Service, swimmers and boaters will want to exercise caution on Tampa Bay area waters heading well into Friday. Rip currents are anticipated to be a concern along area beaches at least until midday Friday. Boaters may encounter winds in the 25-knot range with higher gusts possible through Thursday night at least.

While sunny, dry conditions are anticipated over the next few days, weather service forecasters say the nip in the air encountered on Thursday morning is just the beginning. The overnight low in the Tampa area is anticipated to drop to the upper 40s while folks in northern counties may experience a chillier low in the lower 40s. The day’s high is expected to only rise to about the mid-60s.

Friday is again expected to bring sunny conditions, but the day’s high is only expected to reach the low 60s. The overnight low may fall to the near-freezing mark in northern counties, such as Pasco, and is anticipated to reach only about 40 in Tampa.

Cooler, mild conditions are expected to continue throughout the weekend. Saturday is anticipated to bring slightly warmer temperatures and Sunday’s high could climb back up to about 70. A warming trend is in the cards heading into early next week.

For an extended forecast in your neighborhood, visit your local Patch’s homepage.