Warnings Go Up As Cold Front Approaches Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents might want to batten down the hatches as a cold front makes its way through the region Thursday and into Friday. While the front is expected to bring temperatures down just in time for the weekend, it also has the potential to produce strong-to-severe thunderstorms, the National Weather Service has warned.

Although Thursday began with sunny conditions in much of the region, forecasters say that will begin to change as the day continues. Storm chances increase to 30 percent in the afternoon hours for much of the region and then rise to 60 percent during the overnight hours. Despite those rain chances, Thursday’s high is expected to reach the upper 80s with an overnight low in the upper 60s.

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Storms that develop in the area “could produce damaging winds and hail,” the weather service’s Tampa Bay office warned on Facebook Thursday morning. “In addition, locally heavy downpours and frequent deadly lightning will be possible.”

Rain chances continue into Friday morning, but a gradual clearing is expected as the day continues. Forecasters anticipate mostly sunny conditions once the front passes through with a high in the mid-70s forecast. The overnight low on Friday is expected to fall into the low 60s.

The payoff for the cold front is expected to come on Saturday when the day’s high should only reach the mid- to upper 70s. Mostly sunny skies are forecast for the daytime hours with mostly clear skies overnight. Saturday’s low should fall to about 63 degrees in much of the region.

While Friday afternoon and Saturday are expected to be beautiful and mild, conditions on local waters may not be so pleasant, forecasters say. Rip current risks in coastal areas are expected for Friday and Saturday both. Small craft operators are also being warned that wind speeds on Friday could reach 25 knots, making for potentially hazardous boating conditions.

The return of dry air on Saturday is expected to once again enhance the region’s fire weather risks. Forecasters say the potential for fire concerns is likely to remain strong through Tuesday at least.

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

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