By Scott Martin
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Other than a few rogue clouds floating overhead, and 7AM temperatures starting off in the lower 50s, Friday will almost be a picture-perfect day for on-track activities. Skies will stay mostly sunny throughout the day and afternoon highs will top out in the upper 60s. Winds will be out of the north-northeast at 5-10 MPH, which may make those temperatures feel a degree or two cooler, so long sleeves may be necessary for the fans. Shades and hats will definitely be needed throughout the day... and don't forget the sunscreen.
Saturday will start off a little cool at 7AM, with temperatures in the mid-50s, but the remainder of the day will be absolutely nice. Due to an approaching system, winds will have shifted and will be out of the southeast at 5-9 MPH throughout the day, and this will bring some warmer temperatures to the area. Afternoon highs will top out in the mid-70s underneath a mostly sunny sky. The only downer is that the latest run of the NAM is showing some scattered shower activity trying to sneak in during the latter part of the afternoon and early evening hours, so I have included a very small chance of rain somewhere after 3PM. I'm not too confident about those showers, so I'm only making the percentage at 10%. The main bulk of the rain should hold off until after the on-track activities are completed.
The latest model runs are looking a little better for Sunday, but rain is still likely at anytime throughout the day. The very good news is that the amounts expected for the city has been reduced greatly by the latest solutions of the ECMWF and GFS models, both showing just over 1/4-inch of rainfall for the day. The bad news is that there is enough instability present that a few rumbles of thunder are possible. It's not going to rain all day in St. Petersburg, but with these solutions on the latest update, rain is possible at any time throughout the day. Afternoon highs will top out in the upper 70s after starting off in the mid-60s at 7AM. Chance of rain is at 60% as of now, but could definitely change by my next update tomorrow. Wind will be a factor as well, as winds will be averaging 10-16 MPH out of the southwest, with gusts up to 23 MPH possible.
Saturday will start off a little cool at 7AM, with temperatures in the mid-50s, but the remainder of the day will be absolutely nice. Due to an approaching system, winds will have shifted and will be out of the southeast at 5-9 MPH throughout the day, and this will bring some warmer temperatures to the area. Afternoon highs will top out in the mid-70s underneath a mostly sunny sky. The only downer is that the latest run of the NAM is showing some scattered shower activity trying to sneak in during the latter part of the afternoon and early evening hours, so I have included a very small chance of rain somewhere after 3PM. I'm not too confident about those showers, so I'm only making the percentage at 10%. The main bulk of the rain should hold off until after the on-track activities are completed.
The latest model runs are looking a little better for Sunday, but rain is still likely at anytime throughout the day. The very good news is that the amounts expected for the city has been reduced greatly by the latest solutions of the ECMWF and GFS models, both showing just over 1/4-inch of rainfall for the day. The bad news is that there is enough instability present that a few rumbles of thunder are possible. It's not going to rain all day in St. Petersburg, but with these solutions on the latest update, rain is possible at any time throughout the day. Afternoon highs will top out in the upper 70s after starting off in the mid-60s at 7AM. Chance of rain is at 60% as of now, but could definitely change by my next update tomorrow. Wind will be a factor as well, as winds will be averaging 10-16 MPH out of the southwest, with gusts up to 23 MPH possible.
