We stay dry and warm

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Ocean breezes will keep coastal areas cool over the next few days. Gulf Coast waters are still above 70 degrees. This may keep highs near the coast in the upper 80s. However, inland communities will not benefit as much from the sea breeze. High pressure will continue to determine our weather in the next few days. As the high expands and winds blow from the southeast or south, our humidity increases as moisture is transported to the Sunny Coast. This will directly impact our heat index temperatures. Inland, the sea breeze will have a harder time cooling the afternoons. Inland, the heat index could approach or reach the upper 90s.

Another effect of the high pressure area will be the so-called compression heating. As the height in the air increases, it pushes the air below downwards. This compresses the air near the ground. Just as compressed air heats up in an air pump, our lower atmosphere also heats up. Actual air temperatures inland, along the spine of the state, could easily reach the mid-90s. These temperatures are dangerous for those who spend long periods of time outdoors and engage in strenuous activities, or for those who do not have easy access to air conditioning and hydration.

A cold front will move in and pass by the weekend, with the possibility of rain and slightly cooler temperatures. Near-record midweek temperatures will then return to more average highs in the mid to upper 80s.

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