Hot, Dry Weather Elevates Tampa Bay’s Weekend Fire Concerns

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents hoping the region’s dry streak will come to an end soon in aren’t likely to see their wishes materialize just yet, according to forecasters at the National Weather Service. The weekend is expected to deliver scorching temperatures, low humidity and increased risks for “fire weather.”

According to the weather service, Friday is expected to kick the weekend off with a high in the low- to mid-90s. Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day with mostly clear skies in the evening hours. A low in the low 70s is likely.

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Saturday is anticipated to be a near repeat of Friday. Forecasters expect mostly sunny skies and a high in the low 90s. Partly cloudy skies with a low in the low 70s is forecast for much of the region in the overnight hours.

Sunday is expected to be a little breezy, but a high around 90 degrees with mostly sunny skies is once again forecast. Overnight conditions should be partly cloudy with a low in the lower 70s.

Rain chances don’t return to the forecast until Monday at the earliest. Even then, forecasters say, the chances are slight. Increased potential for rain is forecast as the week continues.

The anticipated hot temperatures and low humidity levels forecast for the weekend are expected to elevate fire dangers throughout the region. In Friday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report, weather service forecasters noted that dangers are likely to persist over the next few days.

Wildfires have been an ongoing concern across the state of Florida. As of Friday morning, the Florida Forest Service reported 99 active wildfires burning on lands under its jurisdiction. Those fires covered 28,621 acres and do not include the 107,346 acres of land burning on federal lands within the Sunshine State.

With lingering dry conditions sparking wild- and brush fires in many parts of the Tampa Bay area, as well, several local governments have enacted temporary bans on outdoor burning. As of Friday, the following counties in and near the Tampa Bay area have banned outdoor burning: Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Hernando, Citrus and Charlotte.

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

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