Area Forecast Discussion
Issued by NWS Tampa Bay Area, FL

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463 FXUS62 KTBW 220805 AFDTBW Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin FL 405 AM EDT Sat Jun 22 2024 ...New DISCUSSION, MARINE, FIRE WEATHER... .DISCUSSION...
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Issued at 400 AM EDT Sat Jun 22 2024 A typical summertime pattern is settling in across the region. With a broad upper-level ridge across the Southeast, the Bermuda High has settled in to the east. In response, a light ESE flow is in place. Given ample moisture (PWATs exceeding 2 inches as of 3AM), instability (MCLAPE of 1800 J/KG MLCAPE as of 3AM), and the sea breeze this afternoon to act as a forcing mechanism, scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms are expected today. The expectation is that this activity will consolidate across West Central Florida by late afternoon. While gusty winds are frequent lightning are likely, the greatest concern is for heavy rainfall. Model forecast soundings support a classic setup for this with deep moisture, a deep and narrow CAPE profile, and virtually no steering flow (meaning convection is likely to be more stationary than not). This may lead to localized flooding in urban areas and places with poor drainage. Overall, though, the rainfall should be beneficial. Today really kicks off what looks to be an extended period of this similar pattern. Scattered to numerous mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms are expected each day as high pressure remains in control. By early next week, though, it looks like the Bermuda High may slide a bit farther east, ushering in a light WSW flow. This could lead to more storms in the morning across the Gulf that drift onshore after sunrise. As this activity pushes inland, continued forecast PWATs over 2 inches could yield additional convection after a brief recovery period, meaning some places may have a chance to see more than one storm each day. All the while, warm and muggy conditions will persist. This combo favors heat indices of 100 to 105 across the region each afternoon, with little reprieve given the light flow. Overnight lows along the coast are likely to struggle to dip below 80 during the overnight hours next week. Hopefully, the west coast will be rewarded with more storms to at least provide us with more beneficial rains as the rainy season truly gets underway.
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&& .AVIATION... (06Z TAFS) Issued at 150 AM EDT Sat Jun 22 2024 Thunderstorms are expected this afternoon, with a time-frame for impacts generally between 21Z and 02Z for coastal terminals (a little earlier inland). There will most certainly be a window for on- station impacts at most sites, but immediate coastal terminals around Tampa Bay have the lowest confidence and certainty for when that window will be. However, gusty winds and a brief period of IFR conditions are possible for all terminals if a storm moves overhead. Within a couple hours of sunset, storms should subside. A similar pattern is likely to repeat again on Sunday. && .MARINE...
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Issued at 400 AM EDT Sat Jun 22 2024 Quiet winds and seas are expected through the week as a ESE flow gradually becomes WSW over the next few days. While the flow remains ESE, the greatest potential for storms across coastal waters looks to be late in the afternoon and into the evening. Strong gusty winds could lead to locally hazardous seas as heavy rain limits visibility. Once the winds veer more WSW, storms will become increasingly likely at anytime, but favored more so during the morning and midday time-frame.
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&& .FIRE WEATHER...
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Issued at 400 AM EDT Sat Jun 22 2024 Ample moisture is in place for the week ahead, leading to scattered to numerous showers and storms each day. There are no significant fire weather concerns at this time.
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&& .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
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TPA 93 78 91 78 / 50 40 40 40 FMY 93 76 91 76 / 60 50 70 40 GIF 94 75 93 75 / 70 60 70 30 SRQ 93 76 91 76 / 50 50 40 50 BKV 94 73 93 73 / 40 30 50 40 SPG 93 81 92 81 / 40 40 40 50
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&& Sea Breeze Thunderstorm Regime For Saturday: 4 Sea Breeze Thunderstorm Regime For Sunday: 1 For additional information on sea breeze regimes, go to: https://www.weather.gov/tbw/ThunderstormClimatology && .TBW WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... FL...None. Gulf waters...None. && $$ Flannery