Advisories Go Up For Tampa Bay Area Waters

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors are being warned to exercise caution on local waters as a cold front moves through the region. While the front is expected to bring temperatures down a bit from recent days, its effects aren’t expected to stick around for long.

With the potential for increasing northwest winds throughout the day on Monday, the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office issued a lake wind advisory for the entire Tampa Bay area. Forecasters anticipate winds of 20-to-25 mph on lakes throughout the region with higher gusts possible. Those winds are expected to create choppy, difficult conditions on lakes in the Tampa Bay area through Monday night at least.

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Swimmers are also being advised that the risk for rip currents in coastal areas will be strong from Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning. Beach goers are urged to pay attention to life guard advice and to be mindful of any flags or signs posted.

The cold front is also expected to keep temperatures down in the Tampa Bay area on Monday. Forecasters anticipate a high temperature that won’t break the 80-degree mark in much of the region. A chance for showers is also in the cards Monday. Breezy conditions are likely as the day continues. The overnight low is expected to fall into the mid-60s Monday with partly cloudy skies and a continued breeze.

The payoff for windy, overcast weather is expected to arrive on Tuesday. Forecasters anticipate a sunny day with a high around 80 degrees. Mostly clear overnight conditions are forecast with a low in the mid-60s.

Wednesday is also expected to be a pleasant day with sunshine in the forecast and a high in the low 80s likely. Mostly clear conditions are expected in the overnight hours with a low in the upper 60s.

Heat is expected to make a return on Thursday when forecasters say the day’s high should reach the upper 80s in much of the region. Mostly clear skies are forecast for the overnight hours with a low in the low 70s.

Friday could be a scorcher with a high just above the 90-degree mark forecast. The overnight low is expected to fall into the lower 70s.

Slight rain chances with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s are expected throughout the weekend.

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

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