Beach lovers and wave watchers, grab your sunscreen and listen up! West Central Florida's surf scene is serving up some serious conditions today.
Starting in the northern zones around Cedar Key and Yankeetown, we're looking at a mellow surf day with waves barely reaching a foot. Northwest winds around 10 mph will keep things crisp, and temperatures hovering near 70 degrees make for a perfect beach morning. The UV index is blasting into very high territory, so protect that skin!
Heading south to Clearwater, Saint Pete, and Bradenton beaches, conditions get a bit spicier. Surf heights are pumping between 2 to 3 feet with a high rip current risk that'll keep lifeguards on their toes. Expect partly sunny skies with a slight chance of passing showers and winds whipping around 15 mph. Water temperatures are sitting comfortably in the mid-70s.
Down in the Charlotte and Lee County beaches like Sanibel and Fort Myers, the scene is similarly energetic. Mostly cloudy skies with likely showers, northwest winds dancing between 10 to 15 mph, and surf heights between 1 to 2 feet. Temperatures will cruise into the mid-70s.
One critical warning across all zones: rip currents are no joke today. Exercise extreme caution near jetties, piers, and in the surf zone. Stay alert, swim smart, and when in doubt, don't go out.
Tonight, conditions will calm slightly but remain dynamic. Temperatures will drop into the 60s, winds will ease, but that high rip current risk persists.
Wednesday promises sunny skies, lighter winds, and gradually decreasing surf heights. Beach safely and enjoy the ride!