Sarasota gets a stretch of genuinely comfortable October weather this week. Highs hold near 82 to 83 degrees through Friday, a couple degrees below average, with dew points in the low 60s and no rain in the forecast. Gulf water remains around 81 degrees, and seas run 2 to 4 feet Tuesday, according to ABC7 Chief Meteorologist Bob Harrigan. Tuesday also brings a 6:30 a.m. rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, and conditions should make for a clean view looking northeast from the Suncoast.
The pattern shifts this weekend. Winds strengthen Saturday and Sunday, with gusts approaching tropical storm force at times, and boating advisories are expected, starting as early as Saturday afternoon. If you’re planning time on the water, Saturday morning is the safer bet, or hold off until Monday when winds moderate. A system off the Carolinas is being watched but poses no threat to our region.
For everyone else, the weekend still looks bright, just breezier. It’s a good reminder that fall on the Gulf Coast means checking the marine forecast before you commit, even when the sky looks perfect. What’s your plan for this calm stretch, beach day or boat day?
