Forecasters Watch Storm for Tropical Development

National Weather Service forecasters are paying careful attention to an area of low pressure that’s developing near the Yucatan Peninsula.

There’s a 50 percent chance that this storm will develop into a tropical system. Regardless, meteorologists at the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office say the storm will bring plenty of rain and some winds our way today, Oct. 17, and into the early part of the week.

“There’s some possibility of heavy rain, probably 2 to 4 inches around the Tampa Bay (area) in the next two to three days,” said Richard Rude of the National Weather Service. Winds, he added, should be breezy and out of the east today. They’ll shift to southerly tonight and tomorrow and should increase in strength.

The inland areas of Hillsborough County should see winds up to 20 mph today. Tonight, the winds might climb up to 25 mph with stronger gusts possible.

Winds will be stronger along coastal areas, Rude said.

Boaters are also being warned to exercise caution. Wind speeds are anticipated in the 15 to 20 knot range today and should climb to 20 to 25 knots with higher gusts tonight and through Tuesday.

The storm system should bring cooler temperatures along with it. The National Weather Service is calling for highs in the low 80s today and tomorrow. As the week progresses, those highs should drop into the 70s.

Although the storm has a limited window to develop into a tropical system, the National Hurricane Center does have a reconnaissance aircraft ready to investigate this afternoon if it becomes necessary, meteorologist Daniel Noah wrote in a media release this morning.

For a detailed look at Temple Terrace weather, check out the National Weather Service’s 7-Day forecast.

Stay with Patch for updates as they become available.