Surf's up, beach lovers! Get ready for a scorcher of a day along West Central and Southwest Florida's coastlines. We're looking at a sunshine spectacular with temperatures climbing into the upper 70s and crystal-clear skies.

Beach-goers in Pinellas and Sarasota, listen up - today's rip current risk is HIGH, so swim smart near Clearwater Beach, Saint Pete Beach, and Siesta Key. The surf's running 1 to 2 feet with northeast winds around 10 mph. Those UV rays are blasting at very high levels, so sunscreen is your best friend.

Heading down to Charlotte and Lee County beaches like Sanibel and Fort Myers? Same story - high rip current risk through this evening with 1 to 2 foot waves and northeast winds cranking at 10 to 15 mph. Water temperatures are creeping into the lower 70s - practically perfect.

For our friends up in Levy, Citrus, and Hernando Counties around Cedar Key and Crystal River, you've got the mildest conditions. Expect calm 1-foot waves, low rip current risk, and north winds around 5 to 10 mph. Water's sitting pretty in the mid-60s.

Tonight, conditions will mellow out. Rip current risks drop to moderate, then low by Wednesday. Temperatures will cool down to the upper 50s with mostly clear skies.

Pro tip: Even with low rip current risks, always be cautious near jetties, piers, and rocky areas. Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy that Florida sunshine!

Surf's up, beach lovers! Get ready for a wild ride along Florida's west coast. Today's looking like a high-octane day in the surf zone with some seriously gnarly conditions.

Northwest winds are cranking at 20 to 25 miles per hour, creating a rip current situation that's definitely not for the faint of heart. Experienced surfers, this is your moment - but newbies should stay far away from the water. The rip current risk is high across all coastal areas from Cedar Key down to Fort Myers Beach.

Surf heights will vary from a modest 1 to 2 feet in some areas, jumping up to a more impressive 3 to 4 feet along the Pinellas and Sarasota beaches. Water temperatures are sitting in the upper 60s to lower 70s - not exactly tropical, but definitely tolerable with the right gear.

Sun worshippers rejoice - we're looking at a stunning sunny day with a very high UV index. Slip on that sunscreen and grab your shades. Temperatures will hover in the mid-60s today, climbing to the mid-70s by Tuesday.

As the day progresses, expect clear skies and those persistent northwest winds mellowing out slightly overnight. Tuesday brings a slight shift with northeast winds and continuing sunny conditions.

Tide-watchers, mark your calendars. Cedar Key and Saint Petersburg will see low tides around 10 AM, with high tides rolling in around 4 PM. Fort Myers Beach and Venice Inlet have similar tide patterns.

Bottom line: It's a beautiful but challenging day on the water. Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the Florida coastline!

Surf's up, beach lovers! Hold onto your sunscreen because today's coastal conditions are looking wild and windy. We're tracking a high rip current risk across West Central and Southwest Florida that'll keep lifeguards on their toes.

Let's break down the coastal scene. Winds are howling from the south at around 20 mph, churning up some seriously choppy waters. Surf heights are sitting between one to two feet, which might not sound massive, but combined with those aggressive currents, swimmers need to exercise serious caution.

The weather's serving up a mixed plate today - mostly cloudy skies with a moderate chance of thunderstorms. UV index is cranked up to very high, so if you're heading out, that sunscreen is absolutely non-negotiable. Water temperatures are hovering in the upper 60s, perfect for a quick dip but not exactly tropical paradise.

Temperatures will dance between the mid-50s tonight and climbing to the lower 80s during the day. Expect a dramatic wind shift overnight, switching from southerly to northwest winds and dropping those temperatures.

Monday's looking like a complete 180 - sunny skies, northwest winds blasting at 20 mph, and those rip current risks staying stubbornly high. Beach-goers should stay alert, stick close to lifeguard stations, and remember: when in doubt, don't go out.

Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy that beautiful Florida coastline!

Surf's up, beach lovers! Get ready for a sizzling weekend along Florida's west coast. Today's looking like a postcard-perfect day with sunny skies and temperatures climbing into the lower 80s. Water temps are sitting pretty in the upper 60s, making for a refreshing dip.

But listen up, wave riders - while the surf looks calm with heights around 1 to 2 feet, don't let that fool you. The rip current risk is playing serious games. Starting moderate during the day, it'll crank up to high risk by tonight and through Sunday. Lifeguards are warning beachgoers to stay alert, especially near jetties and piers.

Winds are going to be cranking from the southeast, blowing a steady 15 to 20 miles per hour. Beach-goers, secure those umbrellas and hold onto your hats! The UV index is screaming very high, so slather on that sunscreen and grab your shades.

As we roll into Sunday, things get a bit more dramatic. Clouds will start muscling in, bringing a moderate chance of thunderstorms. Expect breezy conditions with winds potentially hitting 20 to 25 miles per hour. Temperatures will hold steady in the lower 80s, but the tranquil sunny vibes from Saturday will be taking a backseat to some moody marine weather.

Tidal travelers, take note of your local low and high tide times. Whether you're hanging in Cedar Key, chillin' at Saint Pete Beach, or exploring Fort Myers, nature's rhythm is calling.

Bottom line: Enjoy the beach, but respect the water. Stay safe, stay smart, and catch those good vibes!

Hey beach lovers and wave watchers! Get ready for a sunny slice of Florida coastal paradise. Today's looking like a picture-perfect beach day from Cedar Key down to Fort Myers Beach.

We've got calm waters with just a whisper of surf - waves barely touching 1 foot, so perfect for paddleboarding or just chilling on the sand. Water temperatures are sitting pretty in the mid to upper 60s - refreshing but not too chilly.

Winds will start easy from the east around 5 mph, then gently shift southwest by afternoon. Expect mostly sunny skies with a very high UV index, so don't forget that sunscreen! Temperatures will climb to the lower 70s up north and creeping into the upper 70s and low 80s down south.

Tonight brings mostly clear skies with mild temperatures in the mid 60s. Winds will play musical chairs - northwest to southeast after midnight.

Saturday's looking like a bit more action. Winds will kick up to 15-20 mph from the southeast, and surf heights will bump up to 1-2 feet. The rip current risk is stepping up to moderate, so water warriors - stay alert, especially near jetties and piers.

Tides are doing their usual dance - low and high cycles throughout the day. Cedar Key, Saint Pete, Venice, and Fort Myers Beach all have specific tide times if you're planning water activities.

Bottom line: Grab your sunglasses, sunscreen, and sea spirit - it's a beautiful Florida coastal day waiting for you! Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy those waves.

Surf's up, beach lovers! Get ready for a stunning day along West Central and Southwest Florida's gorgeous coastline. Today's looking like a postcard-perfect slice of paradise with wall-to-wall sunshine and temperatures climbing into the upper 60s and low 70s depending on your stretch of shoreline.

Water temperatures are sitting pretty in the mid to upper 60s - refreshing but not too chilly. Winds will be gentle and cooperative today blowing south to southeast around 5 to 10 miles per hour, creating just enough movement to keep things interesting without stirring up any serious wave action.

Surf conditions are going to be super mellow with waves barely kissing the one-foot mark. While that means minimal surfing potential, it's absolutely ideal for paddleboarding, wading, and soaking up some serious vitamin D. Speaking of which, the UV index is cranked up to very high, so sunscreen is your best friend today.

Rip current risk remains low across all areas from Cedar Key down to Fort Myers Beach. However, experienced beach-goers know to stay alert near structures like jetties and piers where sneaky currents can develop.

Tide schedules are looking classic today with morning lows around 7-9 AM and afternoon highs rolling in between 1-3 PM. Whether you're planning to catch some rays at Clearwater Beach, explore Sanibel's pristine shores, or kick back on Siesta Key, today promises to be a stunner.

Friday looks like a carbon copy of today - sunny, warm, and wonderfully calm. So grab your beach gear, sunblock, and sense of adventure. Florida's coastline is calling your name!

Here's the surf forecast script:

Surfers and beach lovers, get ready for a gorgeous day along West Central and Southwest Florida's coastline! Today's looking like pure sunshine with calm waters and perfect conditions.

We're seeing minimal surf today with waves barely touching 1 foot - super smooth for paddling, swimming, or just enjoying the beach. Water temperatures are sitting comfortably in the mid to upper 60s, making it pleasant for those looking to get wet.

The UV index is cranking up to very high, so sunscreen is absolutely mandatory. Slather it on thick and often, beach warriors! Temperatures will hover in the upper 60s to mid 70s depending on your stretch of coastline.

Winds will be gentle today - starting north and transitioning west around 5 miles per hour. They'll shift to southeast and southwest Thursday, keeping things nice and mellow.

Tide watchers take note: Cedar Key, Saint Petersburg, Venice, and Fort Myers Beach all have low and high tide windows throughout the day. Check your local tide chart for precise times.

Rip current risk remains low across all beaches, but remember - always stay alert near jetties, piers, and rocky areas where unexpected currents can develop.

Whether you're in Clearwater, Sanibel, or anywhere between, today promises a stunning beach day with crystal clear skies, minimal wind, and just enough warmth to make you feel alive. Grab your gear, sunscreen, and get out there!

Stay safe, stay stoked, and enjoy this slice of Florida paradise.

Surf's up, beach lovers! Get ready for a stellar day along West Central and Southwest Florida's coastline. Today's looking like a postcard-perfect scene with sunny skies and temperatures climbing to a comfortable 70 degrees.

But before you grab your board, let's talk conditions. Our first zone stretching from Cedar Key to Port Richey is serving up mellow waves - we're talking 1 foot or less. Winds will be blowing northwest around 10 mph, keeping things crisp and clean. Water temperatures are sitting pretty in the mid 60s, so you might want a light wetsuit.

Heading south to Clearwater, Siesta Key, and Venice beaches, things get a bit spicier. We've got a high rip current risk through this evening, with surf heights ramping up to 2-4 feet. Northwest winds between 10-15 mph will be generating some serious energy. UV index is cranked to very high, so sunscreen is your best friend.

Our southernmost zone - from Manasota Key to Fort Myers Beach - mirrors similar conditions. High rip current risk, northwest winds around 15 mph, and surf between 1-2 feet. Water's warmed up to a sweet 70 degrees.

Good news for all you water warriors - no thunderstorm threats today. As evening rolls in, winds will calm down, and rip current risks will drop to moderate. Wednesday promises even mellower conditions with smaller waves and lighter winds.

Pro tip: Even with low rip current risk, always stay alert near jetties, piers, and reefs. Stay safe, stay stoked!

Surf's up, beach lovers! Today's bringing some serious wave action to West Central and Southwest Florida, so listen up and gear up.

We're looking at a high rip current risk across all coastal zones, so swim with caution. The surf's running modest at 1 to 2 feet, but those currents are no joke. Water temps are hovering in the mid to upper 60s - definitely wetsuit territory for you hardcore surfers.

This morning starts cloudy but promises to break into sunshine by midday. Expect some scattered showers and thunderstorms rolling through, especially in the coastal areas from Levy to Lee County. Those southwest winds will be kicking up to 15-25 miles per hour, creating some choppy conditions.

Temperatures will be mild, ranging from the mid 60s to lower 70s. UV index is low, but don't skip the sunscreen - those clouds can be sneaky.

Tonight, winds will shift northwest and continue breezy around 20 mph. The surf will build slightly to 2 to 3 feet, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures dipping into the upper 50s.

Tuesday's looking pristine - sunny skies, northwest winds mellowing to 10-15 mph, and those waves settling down. Temperatures will climb to the upper 60s and lower 70s.

Bottom line: High rip current risk means extra vigilance. Stay close to lifeguards, watch those tide charts, and never surf alone. Stay safe and enjoy those Florida waves!

Surf's up, beach lovers! Buckle up for a wild coastal ride along West Central and Southwest Florida.

Today kicks off with a mellow vibe - surf barely whispering at a foot or less, making it perfect for casual beach lounging. The UV index is cranking up to very high, so sunscreen is your best friend. Water temperatures are chillin in the mid to upper 60s, serving up that classic Florida comfort.

Coastal winds will be dancing southward around 10 miles per hour, bringing mostly sunny skies with a tiny chance of surprise showers. Temperatures will cruise into the lower to upper 70s - basically paradise status.

But hold onto your beach towels because tonight the scene changes dramatically. Rip current risk jumps from low to high, so water warriors need to stay alert. Expect mostly cloudy conditions with a higher chance of thunderstorms rolling through. Winds will kick up slightly, pushing 15 miles per hour from the south.

Monday brings even more drama - breezy west winds between 15 to 25 miles per hour will shake things up. Surf heights will bump to 1-2 feet, creating some exciting wave action. Thunderstorm potential is moderate, so expect a mix of clouds and sunshine with likely showers.

Beach safety tip: Those rip currents are no joke. Even when waves look small, stay vigilant near jetties, piers, and reefs. Always swim near lifeguards and check local conditions before diving in.

Catch those waves safely, Florida!