Sarasota Boaters Face Gusty Winds and Rain Amid Unseasonable Warmth

Northeast winds are keeping the Gulf of Mexico choppy near Sarasota, forcing boaters to contend with a Small Craft Advisory that remains in effect through tonight. The National Weather Service reports winds of 20 to 25 knots, with gusts reaching 30 knots. Offshore seas are running between 3 and 5 feet, occasionally hitting 6 feet.

Conditions on land are milder than the wind suggests. Temperatures are climbing into the mid-80s across Sarasota and Bradenton, which is warmer than typical for late October. The sky is partly to mostly sunny along the coast, where the chance of showers sits between 20% and 30%. Inland areas face a higher risk, with afternoon rain chances reaching 60%.

The pattern shifts slightly later in the week. Warmer temperatures and lighter winds are expected from Thursday through Saturday. Highs will reach the mid-80s near the beaches and the upper 80s inland. Rain chances will drop to 20% along the coast and 30% inland. Most communities should see plenty of sunshine.

A weak cold front approaches Florida on Sunday. This brings a better chance for showers and thunderstorms, with rain probabilities reaching 40% inland. Temperatures will stay warm despite increasing clouds. Forecasters do not expect widespread severe weather.

Marine conditions are improving as the week progresses. Seas are expected to drop to around 2 feet by Saturday. The tropics remain calm, with no threat to the Suncoast for the next five days. Hurricane season continues through November 30.