A cold front moved south of Florida and it left the Suncoast with something we haven’t seen much this October: a dry forecast. Mostly sunny skies are on tap from Sunday through Friday, with daytime highs in the low 80s and overnight lows dipping into the 60s. Lower humidity will make mornings feel noticeably refreshing, especially for mid-October. The 0.51 inches of rain SRQ picked up Saturday brought the monthly total to 9.74 inches, so a rain-free stretch lands at a good time.
The wind is the one wrinkle in the plan. Northeast winds of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts to 30, will affect Sunday tennis, pickleball, golf, and beach trips, so plan accordingly if your game depends on a steady toss or a straight putt. On the water, a Small Craft Advisory remains in effect with seas of 5 to 7 feet, occasionally reaching 9, through at least Monday. Boaters should hold off until conditions improve. Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is tracking a non-tropical low off the southeast U.S. coast with a 30 percent chance of development, but it will not affect our area.
Looking ahead, daylight saving time ends Sunday, November 1, when clocks fall back one hour, so enjoy these late-afternoon sunsets while they last. With no rain in the forecast and comfortable temperatures all week, this is a rare opening for fall festivals, patio dinners, and long walks on the beach, as long as you bring a jacket for the morning and hold onto your hat. What’s the first outdoor plan you’re making for this dry stretch?
