Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors are in for a week of sunshine and blue skies. Forecasters at the National Weather Service, however, are warning conditions might not be as postcard-perfect as they seem in all parts of the region.

While Monday is expected to kick things off with sunny skies and a high only in the lower 60s, hazards exist on land and water. In Monday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report, forecasters warned of offshore wave heights of more than 6 feet. With that in mind, there’s a high risk for rip currents on Monday. In addition, a high surf advisory has been issued for coastal Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota counties. That warning is set to expire in the evening hours on Monday.

Anticipated dry conditions over the next few days also have forecasters warning about fire risks. While no red flag warnings have gone up, folks are asked to take care with any open flames.

Fire and water risks aside, forecasters say Monday should end on a mostly upbeat note with mostly clear skies and a low in the mid-40s in much of the region.

Tuesday is expected to begin a warming trend of sorts. A daytime high of about 70 degrees is forecast for much of the region with sunny skies on tap. A clear night with a low around 50 degrees is also expected.

Wednesday and Thursday are expected to be near mirror images of each other. Sunny skies are expected both days with highs in the low 70s. Mostly clear skies are expected in the nighttime hours on both Wednesday and Thursday, as well. The overnight lows are forecast to drop into the low 50s.

Friday is expected to cap off the workweek with a high around 75 degrees and sunny skies. The overnight low is anticipated to fall into the mid-50s.

The National Weather Service does not anticipate rain will play a major role in the region’s weather over the next week. Forecasters at The Weather Channel, however, say there’s a slight chance a few drops may fall in parts of the region before the week is out. Stormy conditions aren’t expected to reemerge until early next week.

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

Patch file photo