Tampa residents can expect a sun-filled week ahead. According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Tampa, despite the fair start at 65°F early this morning, temperatures are slated to rise to a comfortable high of 82 degrees with the wind remaining light and variable until it picks up slightly, coming from the west at 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Prospects for the evening, however, turn slightly grim with chances of showers and thunderstorms before 2 am, bringing a low around 62 degrees while the wind shifts from west to north northwest after midnight.
As the weekend progresses, the forecast predicts unequivocally sunny skies. Saturday will bring a high near 75°F with a northwest wind traveling at 6 to 11 mph, and gusts that could reach as high as 18 mph. The nighttime will continue to be clear with a low around 58°F. Similar conditions are expected for Sunday, as sunshine dominates and the high climbs up near 80 degrees while the northwest wind maintains a mild pace of 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Looking into early next week, the NWS forecasts even warmer days. Monday is marked by uninterrupted sunshine and an elevated high near 85°F, welcoming a light southwest wind in the afternoon. Evening skies remain clear with the temperature descending to about 63 degrees. Tuesday's forecast parallels this, with a pleasantly sunny day, a high of around 83 degrees, and a wind pattern mirroring that of Monday's. The night will ease into mostly clear conditions with a low near 65.
Meanwhile, the serenity on the land contrasts sharply with the warning issued for coastal areas. The National Weather Service has put out a High Rip Current Risk advisory effective from late tonight through late Saturday night for several counties including Pinellas, Coastal Hillsborough, and Coastal Manatee, among others. "Dangerous rip currents expected" signals an increased risk for swimmers, and the NWS advises that those in the water "Swim near a lifeguard. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don't swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help."
The residents of Tampa Bay can certainly look forward to ample sunshine and gentle winds to accompany their outdoor activities for the coming week. However, caution is urged for beachgoers due to the heightened rip currents along the coast.
