An upper-level low north of the Bahamas and high pressure building over the Deep South have tightened the pressure gradient across our area, and the result is a stretch of gusty northeast winds that will last through Wednesday. Saturday’s peak gusts reached 25 mph at SRQ and 31 mph at St. Petersburg airport, and Sunday’s gusts are expected to run stronger, especially along the coast and over coastal waters.
Sunday’s forecast calls for northeast winds near 20 mph with gusts to 30, plenty of sunshine, highs in the low 80s and water temperatures in the upper 70s. At area beaches, a moderate rip current risk and a high UV index are in effect, so swimmers should stay near lifeguard stands and everyone should reapply sunscreen. Boaters face small craft advisories through Wednesday, with bay and inland waters very rough Sunday before easing to choppy by midweek.
The pattern stays dry all week, with only a slight chance of isolated showers by Halloween, and no tropical cyclone formation is expected over the next seven days. Wind like this shapes golf, tennis, pickleball and beach plans for days. If you’re heading to the sand, weight down your setup, secure the umbrella, and respect the flags.
How is the wind changing your week on the Suncoast? Let us know in the comments.
