Fog, Marine Warnings Go Up Ahead Of Cold Front

TAMPA, FL — A cold front expected to drop temperatures back down into the 70s throughout the Tampa Bay area this weekend is on the way, but it may bring the potential for hazardous boating conditions along with it, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service.

Forecasters say Wednesday will likely extend the warm streak the region has been experiencing. The day’s high is expected to climb again into the mid-80s with sunny conditions expected. A partly cloudy night is on tap with a low in the mid-60s forecast.

Motorists are warned that some locally dense fog may once again move into the region during the overnight hours Wednesday and well into Thursday morning. Those who encounter fog on the roads are being urged to exercise caution.

Thursday is expected to be a transitional day of sorts. The day will start out with that fog, but partly sunny conditions are expected to set in as the morning continues. A high in the low-80s is forecast. That cold front is expected to move in Thursday night, bringing cloudy and breezy conditions with it. The overnight low is forecast to drop into the upper 50s in much of the region.

While forecasters at the weather service don’t believe the front will bring significant rain potential along with it, the Weather Channel says there’s about a 20 percent chance of rain during the daytime hours Thursday.

Rain chances aside, the weather service is warning that Thursday’s front has the potential to make conditions on local waters perilous for small craft operators. Wind speeds of up to 25 knots and seas up to 7 feet are expected starting late Thursday evening. The conditions are expected to stick around until Saturday morning.

Boaters may find the cold front dashes their water plans, but landlubbers are likely to love the forecast for the weekend. Breezy conditions are expected on Friday with a high only in the low 70s forecast. The overnight low is expected to drop into the low 50s with mostly clear skies on tap.

Saturday is expected to bring similar conditions with slightly warmer temperatures.

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

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