Advisories Issued For Tampa Bay Coastal Areas

TAMPA, FL — Thunderstorms that created loud rumbles in the early morning hours Thursday are expected to clear out of the Tampa Bay area as the day progresses. Some weather warnings, however, remain in place.

According to the National Weather Service, the strong cold front that moved into the area Thursday is expected to keep the rip current risk high along beaches throughout the region until Friday at least. Strong winds and high seas are also combining to make conditions unfavorable for small craft operators.

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As storms clear out of the region heading into the afternoon hours Thursday, forecasters warn that conditions may turn dangerously dry. Relative humidity levels are expected to drop to about 35 percent in the inland areas with winds persisting. That may “result in some instantaneous red flag conditions,” for fire weather, forecasters noted in Thursday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report. Fire weather conditions may again develop on Friday.

While some risks are expected to persist in Friday courtesy of the cold front, forecasters say Tampa Bay area residents and visitors should notice a distinct change in the outside temperature. Sunny conditions with a high in the mid-70s are forecast for the afternoon hours on Thursday. Mostly clear overnight conditions are expected in the evening hours when the low should drop into the upper 50s.

Friday is expected to shape up with sunny skies and a high in the low 70s. The overnight low could drop to a chilly 51 degrees in some parts of the region.

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

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