Warnings Go Up As Cold Front Approaches Tampa Bay

TAMPA, FL — A cold front that’s expected to bring high temperatures back down into the 60s by the middle of the week may create a few problems in the Tampa Bay area before it passes through.

Forecasters at the National Weather Service in Ruskin issued a warning for boaters on Sunday. The front’s impending arrival is expected to produce winds up to 20 knots on some local waters staring Sunday night, creating “hazardous boating conditions for small craft operators.” Strong winds may continue to be a concern over the next few days.

The front’s approach is also increasing chances for rain and thunderstorms in the Tampa Bay area. Forecasters say there’s a strong chance for showers on Sunday with increasing chances moving into Monday. By Monday afternoon, a few thunderstorms are also expected to develop in the region.

“Thunderstorms will be capable of producing strong gusty winds, locally heavy rains and frequent, deadly lightning strikes,” the weather service wrote in Sunday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report. The potential for rain is expected to stick around through Tuesday morning.

While the approaching front may create a few concerns before it passes by, it is also expected to pay off with milder conditions as the workweek progresses. The day’s high on Monday is expected to only climb into the mid-70s with low 70s expected on Tuesday.

Wednesday is forecast to be a sunny day with a high only in the mid-60s likely. A crisp overnight low in the mid-40s is also forecast for Wednesday. Temperatures are expected to gradually warm back into the 70s during the daytime hours starting on Friday.

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

Patch file photo