SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) –
First Alert Weather Day: Saturday evening on the Suncoast
A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for the Suncoast as a line of showers and thunderstorms moves in Saturday evening into the night.
This system will bring much-needed rain to a drought-stricken region, but also a low-end risk for strong storms as it moves through.
The timing: when you’ll notice it
Saturday will start off dry, warm, and windy, but changes arrive quickly late in the day:
- Before 4 PM: Dry, breezy, and warm
- 5 to 7 PM: Storms begin moving in from the north and west
- 6 to 9 PM: Peak rain and storm window for Sarasota and Bradenton
- After 9 PM: Showers continue, becoming more scattered overnight
If you have evening plans, this is a plan-around-the-weather situation, not a washout all day.
The upside: rain we really need
Much of Florida, including the Suncoast, is dealing with extreme drought conditions, with large areas shown in deep red on the latest drought monitor.
This system won’t end the drought, but it will help.
Projected rainfall totals:
- Most areas: 0.50” to 1.25”
- Locally higher amounts: up to 2” possible in stronger storms
That kind of rain can provide short-term relief for lawns, lakes, and fire danger, even if it’s not a long-term fix.
The catch: a few storms could get strong
While widespread severe weather is not expected locally, a few storms could briefly become stronger as they move through.
Main impacts:
- Gusty winds
- Frequent lightning
- Heavy downpours
The overall severe threat is low on the Suncoast, with the better chance for stronger storms staying north earlier in the day.
Not just storms: wind and beach impacts
Even outside of thunderstorms, Saturday will be windy:
- Gusts up to 25 mph
- Rough boating conditions
- Elevated rip current risk at area beaches
What happens next
Conditions improve fairly quickly after the system passes:
- Sunday morning: Lingering showers
- Sunday afternoon: Clearing and cooler
- Next week: A stretch of drier, more comfortable weather
The bottom line
Saturday is not a washout, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on the sky late in the day…