Wet End to New Port Richey Summer

By Nicole Hutcheson

New Port Richey residents hoping to hit the beach on this last weekend before school starts might want to rethink their plans or at least have an umbrella in tow.

The National Weather Service’s Ruskin office says Tampa Bay could be in for a rather wet few days courtesy of the “tropical disturbance” that’s hanging out in the Gulf near Mexico. While the storm isn’t likely to threaten Tampa Bay directly, it is kicking up some moisture in the region.

“Today (Friday, Aug. 16) we’ll be seeing 40 to 50 percent rain chances that will continue through the weekend,” said weather service meteorologist Tyler Fleming.  Some of the storms might include lightning. Gusty winds and small hail are also not out of the realm of possibility, he added.

The big concern for severe weather conditions comes courtesy of that tropical disturbance in the Gulf. If it kicks up, Fleming said, the potential for dangerous rip currents along Tampa Bay’s coast might, as well. Boaters and swimmers should keep that in mind, he said.

Even with the rain, Bay area residents should expect highs this weekend around 90, Fleming said. The lows will drop to the mid-70s to low 80s in most areas.

What About Tropical Storm Erin?

This developing storm is still way off in the Atlantic and Fleming says doesn’t pose much of a threat to Tampa Bay at this point. The weather service, however, is keeping a close eye on it as it makes its way west from off the coast of Africa.