‘Dangerous’ Fire Risk Rises As Cold Front Nears

TAMPA, FL — A cold front passing through the Tampa Bay area is expected to bring milder temperatures just in time for the weekend. That same front, however, is also expected to make conditions ripe for wild fires on land while creating potentially hazardous winds on local waters.

According to the National Weather Service, the front is expected to pass through the region over the next day or so. Although elevated storm chances are not associated with the front, forecasters anticipate relative humidity levels will drop to less than 35 percent in some parts of the Tampa Bay area.

“The low humidity will be compounded by wind speeds approaching 15 mph,” weather service forecasters wrote in Thursday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report. “This will create dangerous fire weather conditions, and fires could spread quickly.”

Landlubbers aren’t the only ones being warned to exercise caution over the next few days. Forecasters anticipate winds and seas will begin to increase later in the day on Thursday. Wind speeds on local waters are expected to reach 20 to 25 knots with seas up to 7 feet forecast.

“Hazardous boating conditions for small craft operators are expected to continue through late Saturday night,” the agency warned.

While Thursday’s front is bringing some concerns along with it, forecasters also say it should cool things down a bit. The day’s high on Thursday is expected to only reach the low 80s with an overnight low in the upper 50s forecast. Breezy conditions are expected starting in the evening hours.

Friday should shape up with partly sunny skies and a high in the mid-70s. Mostly clear conditions are expected in the overnight hours. Cooler, breezy conditions are expected to last through the weekend.

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