The Suncoast starts the week with a one-two punch of heat and storms. Monday’s highs reach the lower 90s near the coast and mid-90s inland, but with plenty of moisture in the air, the heat index climbs to 105 or 106 before afternoon storms develop. Light winds mean those storms will move slowly, so any neighborhood that gets under one could see a lot of rain in a short time.
Tuesday is the wettest day of the stretch. A trough extending from Bermuda to southern Florida brings numerous afternoon storms, heavy downpours, gusty winds and a real chance of localized flooding. If your commute takes you through the usual low-lying spots, build in extra time and never drive through a flooded roadway.
Wednesday brings a change. Northeast winds strengthen and gust near 30 mph, and offshore conditions turn hazardous with winds of 20 to 25 knots and seas building to 4 to 7 feet. Boaters should plan to stay in or postpone midweek trips. Storms return Thursday through Saturday with highs around 90 to 91, and the Atlantic tropics remain quiet with no immediate threat to our area.
How do you handle weeks like this one? Do you get your outdoor plans done early, or do you just keep a rain jacket by the door?
