SARASOTA, Fla. – A significant change is approaching the weather pattern, bringing more classic afternoon storms to the region. Along with the shift in winds, the tropics are showing increased activity.
Here’s what to expect in the coming days:
On Monday, a ridge of high pressure will shift north, leading to a change in wind direction from south to southeast by late afternoon. This shift, combined with a stalled front over northern Florida, will likely result in increased afternoon storm activity inland, with a 50% chance of rain, while coastal areas prepare for a relatively lower 40% chance. High temperatures are expected to reach around 90°F near the coast and slightly higher inland.
For boaters, conditions appear favorable with south winds between 5 to 10 knots and seas under 1 foot. Expect a slight chance of morning showers followed by isolated late-day storms.
On Tuesday, the southeasterly winds will establish a pattern that could cause inland storms to drift toward the coast in the evening. However, a presence of Saharan Dust could slightly limit storm growth. Rain probabilities remain at 40% for coastal areas and 50% inland, with highs around 90°F.
As we move into Wednesday and Thursday, the Saharan Dust is expected to dissipate, creating a classic Florida pattern where storms will build up inland after 2 PM and gradually move towards the Gulf in the evenings. Both Tuesday and Wednesday suggest a 60% chance of rain, with highs in the low 90s.
In tropical news, activity is picking up in the Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three systems:
1. A low-pressure area off the Carolina coast has become more organized, with a 70% chance of developing into a tropical storm as it tracks northeast. Importantly, it poses no threat to the Suncoast.
2. A new tropical wave is set to move off the African coast, showing a 40% likelihood of becoming a storm in the coming week, although models suggest it may curve out to sea.
3. There’s also potential for another area of low pressure off the Southeast U.S. coast with a 20% chance of development in the next week.
As the week progresses, rain chances are expected to rise, providing much-needed moisture and storms typical for this time of year.
This lively forecast emphasizes the ever-changing nature of weather patterns, reminding us to stay informed, especially as the tropical season begins to heat up.