Friday wraps up the workweek with plenty of sunshine, dry air, and highs in the lower 80s, but the weekend brings a noticeable shift. High pressure building north of Florida will strengthen northeast winds Saturday and Sunday, making the Gulf hazardous for boaters through early next week. Offshore gusts could approach gale force, and small-craft operators should plan to stay docked.
Those same offshore winds can push coastal water levels below normal along the barrier islands, so beachgoers may notice wider sand and shallower passes at low tide. A developing low-pressure area over the southeastern Gulf and Florida Straits will boost the winds and add a few showers, though widespread storms aren’t expected. Most of Sarasota and Manatee counties stay dry, with only a stray afternoon shower reaching inland communities.
The breeze lingers Monday and Tuesday before gradually easing around midweek. If you have outdoor plans, they’re still doable on land, just secure the tents and umbrellas. Boaters should hold off until conditions improve. Are you changing your weekend plans because of the wind? Let us know in the comments.
