The National Weather Service in Tampa, FL, has issued a weather update and a coastal hazard message, advising residents and visitors of expected weather conditions and rip current risks. According to the latest forecast by the NWS, today there is a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, particularly between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., amidst partly sunny skies and breezy conditions.
As the day progresses, the winds are set to shift from a south wind of 8 to 15 mph to west southwest in the afternoon, with gusts reaching up to 24 mph. Tonight's weather will cool down significantly, with lows around 40 degrees and a west northwest wind of around 10 mph, which may, gust as high as 20 mph. Tuesday promises a sunny day with a high near 57 degrees but will begin with wind chill values as low as 36. Winds will be coming from the north at 7 to 9 mph.
In terms of beach safety, the NWS has put out a high rip current risk notice through Wednesday morning. This warning is for several counties including Pinellas, Coastal Hillsborough, Coastal Manatee, Coastal Sarasota, Coastal Charlotte, and Coastal Lee. Dangerous rip currents are expected, which could pose a serious threat to swimmers.
