Weather
Warnings Go Up For Tampa Bay Area Waters
Gale force wind gusts, high surf and rip currents are expected in the Tampa Bay area over the next few days.
TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with plans on the water over the next few days may want to consider rescheduling. The National Weather Service has issued a warning for boaters as a strong cold front moves into the area. A high surf advisory and rip current statement have also been issued for coastal areas.
The cold front making waves on local waters is expected to move through the area on Thursday. As it does, temperatures in the region are expected to drop slightly at first. A 30 percent chance of rain is in the forecast for later in the day with a high only in the upper 70s. In the overnight hours Thursday, forecasters expect low temperatures to drop into the low 50s.
Once that cold front moves past, forecasters are warning that “northwest to north winds will increase to 20 to 25 knots with gusts up to gale force starting tonight and continuing through Friday.” Seas offshore could reach 10 feet.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“These winds and seas will bring very hazardous boating conditions,” the agency wrote in Thursday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report.
The anticipated high pressure behind Thursday’s cold front is also expected to elevate water levels in coastal Gulf waters. Dangerous swimming conditions are possible. With that in mind, the service has issued a high surf advisory from 1 a.m. Friday until about 7 p.m. A rip current statement has also been issued for the same period.
Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While Friday may not be friendly on local waters, forecasters say landlubbers should be in for a great day. Sunny conditions are anticipated with a high only reaching the low 60s. Folks may want to pull out sweaters for the overnight hours though. The low is expected to drop into the low 40s in much of the region.
Saturday is expected to kick off a warming trends with mild conditions on tap. By New Year’s Day, forecasters say the high in the Tampa Bay area should once again reach the upper 70s to low 80s.
For an extended forecast in your neighborhood, visit your local Patch’s homepage.
Image via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
