Northeast winds strong enough to reach gale force over offshore Gulf waters are expected to make boating dangerous near Lakewood Ranch starting Saturday, Oct. 24.

WWSB meteorologist John Scalzi declared a First Alert Heads-Up day for the Suncoast, reporting that hazardous boating conditions are likely from Saturday through Monday, Oct. 26. Offshore winds may also push water levels below normal along the coast, according to Scalzi's forecast.

"Boaters should use extra caution," Scalzi wrote in an earlier forecast Thursday, Oct. 22.

The National Weather Service Tampa Bay office warned Thursday that wind speeds will increase to advisory criteria starting Friday night, with some gusts reaching gale force. Conditions are expected to remain elevated into next week.

The NWS marine forecast calls for northeast winds of 15 to 20 knots with gusts up to 25 knots on Saturday. By Sunday, gusts climb to 30 knots with waves of 2 to 3 feet and rough bay and inland waters. Those rough conditions hold through Monday before easing Tuesday, Oct. 27.

High pressure building north of Florida is tightening the pressure gradient against a remnant frontal boundary south of the state, according to the NWS forecast discussion. That setup is driving the sustained northeast winds.

A developing area of low pressure high above the southeastern Gulf and Florida Straits will contribute to the stronger winds, Scalzi reported. The upper-level system is expected to produce scattered showers rather than widespread stormy weather along the Suncoast.

On land, Sarasota and Manatee county residents can expect partly cloudy skies with highs in the lower to mid-80s and overnight lows in the 60s through the weekend. Most areas will stay dry, though a few afternoon showers could reach inland communities.

Scalzi reported that sustained winds on land could reach 20 to 25 mph with gusts around 30 to 35 mph. Gulf winds of 20 to 25 knots with gusts near 30 knots would create hazardous conditions for smaller vessels, he said.

Subtropical Storm Josephine, which formed off the Mid-Atlantic coast, poses no tropical threat to the Suncoast, according to Scalzi. No watches or warnings have been posted for the United States related to that system.

Gusty northeast winds are expected to ease gradually around Wednesday, Oct. 28.