Moderate to High Risk of Rip Currents at all Atlantic Coast Beaches Today...Pleasant Temperatures with Breezy Winds and Mostly Sunny Skies Expected Statewide Today...Tropical Storm Ida Strengthening in Northwestern Caribbean...All of Florida Lies Inside 5-day Error Cone

High pressure building along the Mid-Atlantic Coast and upper level high pressure moving east along the Gulf Coast will provide pleasant weather conditions across the state today. The only chance for some scattered showers will be near the Florida Keys. Severe weather is not expected. Breezy conditions are also expected today along the Florida Peninsula where east winds of 10-20mph are expected inland and up to 30mph over the waters and along the immediate coast. Winds could gusts to 30 or 35mph.

These strong onshore winds will continue a moderate risk of rip currents at Northeast and East Central Florida beaches today and a high risk for dangerous rip currents along the Southeast Florida coast. Minor beach erosion may also be possible, but no coastal flooding is expected. Swimming is not advised on beaches with a hig risk of rip currents.

After a cool start this morning, afternoon temperatures will warm up nicely into the mid 70s to low 80s statewide today. Overnight lows will be comfortable and near normal for this time of year, ranging from the 50s across North Florida to the low and mid 70s across South Florida.

At 7am EDT Saturday, Tropical Storm Ida was continuing northward in the northwestern Caribbean Sea with maximum sustained winds near 45mph. Additional strengthening is expected over the next few days, but Ida is forecast to remain a tropical storm. Ida is forecast to remain on a general north to north-northwest track through the Yucatan Channel this weekend and then move into the central Gulf of Mexico early next week. The storm is expected to take a hard right turn and move towards the Florida Gulf Coast on Wednesday as a cold front moves into the eastern Gulf of Mexico. However, cooler waters and harsh wind shear will be present ahead of this cold front, and Ida will likely weaken and loose tropical characteristics before it affects Florida at all.

There are currently no watches or warnings in effect for Florida, but the entire state lies within the 5 day error cone. As Ida becomes extratropical next week, a large and expanding wind field will likely bring gale force winds to portions of Florida on Tuesday. All of Florida has a 5%-20% chance of receiving tropical storm force winds by Thursday. All Florida residents need to watch this situation closely over the weekend. Click here for the latest tropical weather outlook from the National Hurricane Center.