Surf's up, beach lovers! We're diving into the weekend forecast for West Central and Southwest Florida, and it's looking like a smooth ride with some mellow vibes coming your way.

Let's start with the good news - the rip current risk is sitting pretty low across all our coastal zones from Cedar Key down to Fort Myers Beach. That means you can hit the waves with confidence, but always keep an eye out near jetties and piers where sneaky currents can pop up.

Temperature-wise, we're looking at a sweet spot with highs climbing into the mid-70s along the Gulf Coast. The water's sitting comfortably in the mid to upper 60s - perfect for a refreshing dip without the deep freeze.

Winds will be cruising in from the south at a gentle 5 to 10 miles per hour, keeping things breezy but not wild. Expect mostly sunny to partly cloudy skies today, with a slight chance of passing showers that won't crash your beach party.

UV index is cranked up to very high, so sunscreen is your best friend today. Seriously, slather it on like you mean it - those rays are no joke.

For tide chasers, we've got some sweet high tide moments. Cedar Key will see high tide at 11:14 AM today, while Saint Petersburg and Venice have evening high tides around 8:37 PM. Sunday brings another round of tide action with midday highs.

Surf height? Keeping it low and mellow at around 1 foot or less. Think of it as a gentle playground for beginner surfers or perfect for some leisurely paddleboarding.

Bottom line: It's a classic Florida coastal weekend - sunny, warm, and just begging you to get outside and soak up some seaside magic. Catch those waves, soak up the sun, and enjoy the Gulf Coast in all its glory!

Surf's up, beach lovers! The National Weather Service has just dropped their latest coastal conditions report, and it's looking like a pretty sweet day along the West Central and Southwest Florida coastline.

Let's break it down beach by beach. From Cedar Key to Yankeetown, we're seeing a mellow morning with waters as smooth as glass. Surf heights are hovering around a foot or less, making it perfect for beginners or those who just want a tranquil beach day. Water temperatures are sitting comfortably in the mid-60s, and the UV index is blazing high, so grab that sunscreen!

Wind patterns are doing a little dance today. We'll start with gentle east winds around 5 mph, which will shift to a southwest breeze by afternoon. Temperatures will climb to the mid-60s in the northern regions and warm up to the mid-70s as you head south.

Now, heads up for the Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Sarasota beach zones: there's a High Surf Advisory in effect until 7 AM and a High Rip Current Risk through this evening. Translation? Be extra cautious if you're planning to hit the water. Surf heights are slightly more active at 1 to 2 feet, with water temperatures creeping into the upper 60s.

As we roll into tonight, expect partly to mostly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to around 60 in the north and upper 50s in the southern regions. Winds will remain light and southwest.

Saturday's forecast looks equally delightful - mostly sunny skies, temperatures climbing to the upper 60s in the north and mid-70s in the south, with south winds between 5 to 10 mph.

Catch those waves safely, stay hydrated, and enjoy the beautiful Florida coastline!

Surf's up, beach lovers! We're looking at a wild day along West Central and Southwest Florida's coastline. Hold onto your sunscreen because today's gonna be a scorcher with a very high UV index and some seriously gnarly conditions.

From Cedar Key down to Fort Myers Beach, northwest winds are howling around 20 miles per hour, creating some intense surf action. Surf heights are ranging from 1 to 2 feet in the northern regions, ramping up to 3 to 4 feet in the Pinellas and Sarasota beaches, and settling at 2 to 3 feet near Charlotte and Lee County shores.

Rip current risk is HIGH today, so swimmers beware! These waters are not playing around. Lifeguards recommend extreme caution, especially near jetties, piers, and rocky areas. Water temperatures are chilling in the mid to upper 60s, so you might want that wetsuit.

Temperatures will hover around 60 in the north, climbing to the lower 60s in central areas, and pushing into the upper 60s down south. Expect brilliant sunshine and crystal-clear skies with zero chance of thunderstorms.

As the day transitions into night, winds will calm down to 5 to 10 miles per hour, and temperatures will drop to the lower 50s. Friday looks more mellow with lighter winds and slightly warmer temps climbing into the lower 70s.

Pro tip: Check those tide charts! Cedar Key, Saint Petersburg, Venice, and Fort Myers Beach all have specific high and low tide times that could impact your beach day.

Stay safe, surf smart, and enjoy the Florida coastline!

Surf's up, beach lovers! Hold onto your sunscreen because today's coastal conditions are looking wild and unpredictable along West Central and Southwest Florida.

We're tracking a high rip current risk that's no joke - these waters are seriously dangerous, so listen up! Surf heights will range from 1 to 2 feet with southwest winds howling around 20 miles per hour, creating some seriously choppy conditions.

The weather's playing a mixed tape today - expect partly sunny skies with a moderate chance of thunderstorms rolling through. Temperatures will dance between the upper 60s and mid 70s, perfect for those who like it warm but not scorching.

Water temperatures are sitting in the mid to upper 60s, which means you'll want a light wetsuit if you're planning any extended water activities. The UV index is moderate, so sunscreen is your best friend today.

As we roll into tonight, things will calm down slightly. Winds will shift to a breezy west direction around 20 to 25 miles per hour, and skies will clear to mostly starry conditions. Temperatures will drop to the lower 50s and upper 50s depending on your exact coastal location.

Thursday is looking like a stunner - sunny skies, northwest winds around 15 to 20 miles per hour, and surf heights potentially climbing to 3 to 4 feet in some areas. Temperatures will cool down, hovering around 60 to 65 degrees.

Bottom line: High rip current risk means extreme caution. If you're not an experienced swimmer, stay close to shore and always swim near a lifeguard. Stay safe and enjoy our beautiful Florida coastline!

Surfers and beach lovers, get ready for a coastal adventure along West Central and Southwest Florida! Today's looking like a sun-drenched paradise with temperatures climbing into the mid to upper 70s and even hitting 80 in some spots. Those southeast winds are cranking at 10 to 15 mph, creating a perfect backdrop for a beach day.

Water temperatures are sitting cozy in the mid to upper 60s, and the UV index is blazing very high, so grab that sunscreen! The surf is keeping things mellow with waves barely kissing the one-foot mark. But don't let the calm fool you - rip current risks are about to get spicy.

Tonight, expect partly cloudy skies with winds holding steady around 10 to 15 mph. As midnight approaches, things start to shift with winds picking up and becoming more southerly.

Wednesday is when things get interesting, folks! Rip current risks are jumping to high or moderate levels depending on your stretch of coastline. Thunderstorm potential is moderate, so prepare for some potential dramatic sky action. Winds will swing southwest, blowing 15 to 20 mph, and temperatures will cool slightly into the upper 60s and 70s.

Surf height will bump up to a modest 1 to 2 feet, perfect for some light wave play. Expect partly sunny conditions with a sprinkle of showers and potential thunderstorms rolling through.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on those groins, jetties, and piers - they're notorious for tricky rip currents even when conditions seem chill. Stay safe, stay stoked, and enjoy the Florida coastline!

Beach Lovers and Wave Watchers! Let's dive into today's coastal conditions along West Central and Southwest Florida.

Grab your sunscreen because we're looking at a picture-perfect beach day with gorgeous sunshine and mild temperatures. The entire coastline from Cedar Key to Fort Myers Beach is serving up some seriously delightful weather.

Water temperatures are sitting comfortably in the upper 60s - perfect for those who like it cool but not cold. Surf heights are staying mellow at 1 to 2 feet max, making it ideal for casual swimmers and paddleboarders.

Wind patterns are playing nice today, blowing gently from the northeast around 5 to 10 miles per hour. By Tuesday, we'll see a slight shift to southeast winds picking up to about 10 to 15 miles per hour.

Temperature-wise, coastal areas will range from the upper 60s in the north to upper 70s down south. Expect mostly sunny skies with zero chance of thunderstorms - a total win for beach time!

Rip current risk remains low, but our lifeguard friends always recommend staying alert near jetties, piers, and rocky areas. The UV index is high, so seriously - don't skimp on that sunscreen.

Tide schedules are looking predictable. Check your local tide charts for precise times, but generally, expect low tides in the morning and high tides in the afternoon.

Bottom line: It's a stellar day to hit the beach. Soak up the sun, catch some waves, and enjoy this slice of Florida paradise!

Surfers and beach lovers, get ready for a stunning Sunday along the Florida Gulf Coast! The surf's looking mellow with low rip current risks from Cedar Key down to Fort Myers Beach.

Up in the Levy and Citrus County zones, we're looking at glass-calm conditions with waves barely kissing the one-foot mark. North winds around 10 to 15 miles per hour will keep things crisp, and temperatures climbing to the upper 60s promise a gorgeous day. Water temps are sitting comfortably in the mid-60s, perfect for a quick dip or paddle.

Heading south to Pinellas and Sarasota beaches, things get slightly more interesting. Expect one to two-foot surf with a moderate rip current risk. Temperatures will warm up nicely into the lower 70s, and that high UV index means sunscreen is your best friend today.

Down in Charlotte and Lee County, you'll find similarly chill conditions. Northwest winds around 10 miles per hour, sunny skies, and temperatures climbing to the mid-70s make for a classic Florida beach day. Water temperatures in the upper 60s are inviting enough to tempt even the most cold-sensitive surfers.

Tonight, expect mostly clear skies with temperatures dropping to the mid-40s up north and mid-50s closer to Fort Myers. Winds will shift gently from north to northeast, setting up another beautiful day for Monday.

Speaking of Monday, the calm continues with low rip current risks, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures holding steady in the mid-60s to mid-70s. Pack your sunglasses, grab your board, and enjoy another slice of Gulf Coast paradise!

Surf's up, beach lovers! Let's dive into the coastal conditions for West Central and Southwest Florida this weekend.

Get ready for a stellar Saturday with mostly sunny skies and gentle west winds dancing at 5 to 10 miles per hour. The water's sitting in the chilly lower 60s, so you might want to keep that wetsuit handy. UV index is cranking up to high, so sunscreen is your best friend today. Expect comfortable temperatures around 70 degrees with surf heights barely kissing the one-foot mark.

As night falls, things cool down quickly. Temperatures will dip into the upper 40s with mostly clear skies and northwest winds picking up around 10 mph. Those tidal rhythms will keep flowing at Cedar Key and Saint Petersburg, with low and high tides marking their predictable dance.

Sunday brings another beautiful day with sunny conditions and north winds holding steady around 10 mph. Temperatures will mellow out into the mid-60s, maintaining that low rip current risk. But don't get too comfortable - while the risk is low, always keep an eye out near groins, jetties, and piers where sneaky currents can catch you off guard.

For our friends further south in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, and Sarasota, expect similar vibes with a slight twist. Sunday afternoon brings a moderate rip current risk with surf heights climbing to 1-2 feet. Temperatures will hover in the lower 70s with crystal clear skies.

Beach warriors, stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy these pristine Florida coastlines!

Surf's up, coastal adventurers! The National Weather Service is bringing you the sizzling scoop on West Central and Southwest Florida's beach conditions.

Pack your sunscreen and get ready for a stellar day along our golden coastlines. We're looking at postcard-perfect weather with sunny skies and temperatures dancing in the mid-60s to mid-70s depending on your slice of paradise.

Water lovers rejoice - conditions are calm with minimal wave action. Expect tiny one-foot surf that's more like a gentle whisper than a roaring wave. Rip current risk is low, but beach veterans know to stay alert near jetties and piers.

Wind patterns will keep things interesting. Expect northeast breezes around 10 mph shifting west in the afternoon for our northern beaches, while southern zones will see northwest winds cruising at a mellow 5 to 10 mph.

UV index is blazing high, so sunscreen is your best friend today. Water temperatures range from a crisp 67 degrees up north to a more inviting 73 degrees down south - perfect for quick dips or serious swimming.

Tide chasers can plan around some sweet low and high tide windows. Cedar Key, Saint Petersburg, Venice Inlet, and Fort Myers Beach all have rhythmic tide schedules that marine enthusiasts will appreciate.

Tonight brings partly cloudy skies with temperatures cooling into the mid-50s to around 60, promising a tranquil evening after a gorgeous day of coastal sunshine.

Stay safe, stay stoked, and enjoy another breathtaking day in Florida's surf zone!

Hey surf fam! Let's dive into today's coastal conditions along West Central and Southwest Florida.

Pack your sunscreen because we're looking at a high UV day with temperatures cruising into the mid 70s. The water's feeling pretty sweet at a comfortable 70 to 72 degrees - perfect for beach time.

Winds will start light and playful this morning, dancing from northeast to east, then shifting west by afternoon. Expect a gentle 5 to 10 mph breeze that'll keep things refreshing without getting too wild.

Surf height? We're talking super mellow - just 1 foot or less. Translation: flat and friendly for everyone from newbie paddlers to seasoned wave riders. Rip current risk is low, but always stay alert near jetties and piers.

Tides are looking cooperative with multiple windows throughout the day. Cedar Key, Saint Petersburg, Venice, and Fort Myers Beach all have scheduled low and high tide moments that water enthusiasts can plan around.

The day will start partly sunny and transition to mostly sunny skies, giving you plenty of golden rays to soak up. As evening approaches, expect partly cloudy conditions rolling in, with temperatures dipping into the mid 50s to lower 60s.

Friday's forecast continues the beach-perfect trend - sunny, mild winds, and those same chill 1-foot waves. Temperatures will cool slightly into the mid 60s to lower 70s.

Bottom line: It's a stellar beach day with minimal weather drama. Grab your board, sunscreen, and good vibes - Florida's coastline is calling!

Stay stoked and safe out there, wave warriors!