You can see the effect of yesterday's cold front by just looking outside this morning if you're along the coast: see all of the clouds? Those low clouds are a result of a brisk northwest wind and cold air running over top of the Gulf of Mexico (at 5,000 feet.. temps near 35 degrees; Gulf temps are near 60). That 25 degree temperature difference has created an unstable low level atmosphere, leading to the clouds. Later today, the wind direction will shift subtly to a more NNW rather than NW wind and the air will warm slightly over the Gulf, allowing some of the clouds to break up. It's much cooler today though, with temps ranging from near 60 in Charlotte County to the mid 60's in Collier.
Fewer clouds tonight and lighter wind will add up to a colder start tomorrow; with inland communities in the 30's and the coast in the 40's. Cold starts will hold on straight through the weekend as high pressure builds in...but warmer afternoons are also in the forecast! In fact, for the first time this winter (it seems at least), I don't have a 7-day forecast full of peaks and valleys! Today's the coldest afternoon; by the weekend with a mostly sunny sky, we're near 70.. and near 80 by early next week!
Brian
