A slow-moving front has settled over Florida, and it’s bringing a multi-day soaking to Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding Suncoast. Rain chances reach about 70% today near the coast and up to 90% inland, which is why today and Wednesday are both First Alert Weather Days. The National Weather Service expects 2 to 4 inches of widespread rain through the week, with locally higher amounts that could cause flooding in low-lying areas. Wednesday and Thursday look especially unsettled, with repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms.
If you’re a boater, conditions will deteriorate as northeast and east winds increase starting late Tuesday. Thunderstorms can bring stronger gusts and frequent lightning, so it’s worth checking the marine forecast before heading out on the bay. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring low pressure in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico that has a good chance of developing tropically over the next seven days. There is no immediate threat to the Suncoast, but October is a month when Gulf watching becomes a habit.
Rain continues Friday before easing somewhat on Saturday, so if you’ve got outdoor plans on the calendar, keep an eye on the forecast and build in a backup. What’s your favorite rainy day plan when the Suncoast gets soaked?
