‘Critical Fire Weather’ Conditions Kick Off Tampa Bay’s Weekend

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors with big outdoor plans this weekend should find the weather most cooperative. While sunny days and highs only in the 70s are expected, forecasters at the National Weather Service are warning that the dry streak could increase fire risks over the next few days. With that in mind, a red flag warning has gone up in parts of region.

“Critical fire weather conditions will occur late this morning and through the afternoon,” the weather service warned in Friday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report. Those conditions are anticipated to persist throughout the weekend, the service warned. When fire weather conditions are present, people are asked to take extra precautions with open flames and to consider putting off outdoor burning until the risk subsides.

In Hernando County, where risk over the next few days should be high, emergency managers are urging residents to put off outdoor burning.

“The National Weather Service is forecasting sustained winds between 5 and 10 mph, with humidity less than 35 percent and an Energy Release Value (ERC) of at least 37, which will contribute to extreme fire behavior,” the county warned in Friday morning email. “Fires that develop will likely spread rapidly.”

Fire concerns aside, the weather service says the weekend ahead should be a mild one throughout the region. Friday is expected to kick things off with sunny conditions and a high in the low 70s throughout much of the Tampa Bay area. Clear skies are expected in the overnight hours when the low should drop into the lower 50s.

Saturday should bring a return of sunny skies and a slightly warmer high in the mid-70s. Mostly clear skies are anticipated in the overnight hours with a low around 60 degrees forecast.

The warming trend is expected to continue on Sunday with sunny skies and a high in the upper 70s forecast. Clear skies return in the overnight hours with a low in the low 50s.

Sunshine and clear skies are expected to stick around through the start of the workweek. Forecasters say Monday’s high should climb to the mid-70s. A return to 80-degree temperatures is expected as the week progresses.

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

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