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!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI