SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – After scattered showers moved through Sarasota and Manatee Counties Monday evening, First Alert Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan says residents should prepare for more significant rainfall Tuesday afternoon before a dramatic shift to windy, drier conditions Wednesday.
“We’re going to get a lot more tomorrow afternoon and closer to the coast, so it’ll be a little bit more widespread,” Harrigan said. “Heavy rain is not out of the question.”
What to Expect Tuesday
The sea breeze will push inland Tuesday afternoon but will be pinned closer to the coast, triggering storm development between 3 and 7 p.m., with a 60% chance of storms near the coast. The storms could bring heavier rainfall over a wider area than Monday’s scattered showers, which only affected about 30% of the viewing area.
Boaters should plan to head out early in the day. East winds at 5 to 10 knots will keep conditions manageable until late afternoon and evening, when storms develop.
Wednesday Brings a Big Change
A trough of low pressure moving through the area will bring significant wind increases Wednesday, with boaters advised to exercise caution. Small craft advisories are possible.
The good news? Lower humidity will arrive late Wednesday and into Thursday morning — a brief taste of fall before summer conditions return by Friday.
Rain Totals Running Well Above Average
September has been a wet month across the region. Rainfall is currently 1.21 inches above average for the year, with the month itself running more than 4 inches above normal. More rain is expected to continue that trend.
Hurricane Season Remains fairly Quiet
While tropical activity remains at historic lows with no hurricanes recorded so far this season, meteorologists are keeping an eye on an area of low pressure east of Bermuda with a 40% chance of development. However, it remains well north of local waters…