After one of the hottest summers on record, the Suncoast is finally catching a break. Lower humidity and slightly cooler temperatures arrive Thursday, pushed in by a northeast wind. Highs will still reach the upper 80s with lows in the mid 70s, but the drop in moisture will make a real difference, especially in the morning hours. Rain chance sits at just 10%, so outdoor plans from Bradenton to Venice should be in good shape.
Boaters need to pay attention, though. A boating advisory is in effect until 2 a.m. Friday, with northeast winds 15 to 20 knots and gusts up to 25. Tampa Bay and the Gulf will be choppy, so plan your trips carefully. Friday brings rain chances up to 20%, with a 50% chance of late-day coastal storms. The weekend could get more active as an upper-level low moves in, potentially sparking storms with gusts of 40 to 50 miles per hour.
Looking ahead, astronomical fall begins Tuesday evening. Saharan dust will begin to thin out, and forecasters will be keeping a closer eye on the tropics. Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan says the lower humidity is already here and will be even more noticeable Friday morning. So, Suncoast, what’s your plan for this well-earned weather break? Let us know in the comments.
