The Tropics

High Sea Surface Temperatures, Dissipating Saharan Dust and More: Conditions For Hurricane Formation Are Becoming Ideal

Watch out for storm development in the tropical Atlantic this week.

08/04/2025 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Update

Keep Your Eyes on the Tropics This Month

June can be a concerning month for the Suncoast, because storms form in the southern Caribbean and then move northward through the Yucatan area into the Gulf.

06/02/2025 By Bob Bunting

Climate Change

The California Wildfires Are a Devastating Reminder of the Effects of Climate Change

After the catastrophic 2024 hurricane season, the Los Angeles fires are a reminder that we need to adapt to the changing climate or face the threat of even more severe weather events.

01/10/2025 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Update

Hurricane Rafael Is Rapidly Developing, But Expected to Shift Westward

Our region could see gusty winds and about an inch of rain.

11/06/2024 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Update

Tropical Storm Rafael Will Form This Week

The Suncoast will likely have some impacts from Rafael by Wednesday or Thursday.

11/03/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Helene

In Worst-Case Scenario, Sarasota Is Ground-Zero for Hurricane Milton

Storm surge warnings, hurricane warnings, and flash flood and tornado risks are all happening ahead of Milton's landfall.

10/09/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton Expected to Bring Catastrophic Impacts to the West Coast of Florida

The eye of Hurricane Milton will likely pass over, or close to, the Sarasota-Manatee area late Wednesday night and early Thursday early.

10/08/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton Is Now a Category 5 Storm. Here's What You Need to Know.

Milton has undergone one of the three fastest intensifications on record—and it is still getting stronger.

10/07/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricane Milton

Rapidly Intensifying Hurricane Milton Forecast to Make Landfall Wednesday

The Suncoast could experience a direct hit.

10/06/2024 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Update

Tropical Depression 14—Which is Forecast to Become Hurricane Milton—Is Forming in the Gulf

The storm will likely become a major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) in the Gulf of Mexico and approach the Suncoast with the potential of a direct hit on Wednesday.

10/05/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather Report

Another Tropical System Will Form in the Southwest Gulf This Weekend

It's too early to know where its center will form or if it will strike land, but at minimum, the southern two-thirds of Florida is likely to face another extreme precipitation event.

10/04/2024 By Bob Bunting

Tropical Update

Hurricane Helene Has the Potential for Severe Impacts Outside Its Projected Path

Helene is a very large storm covering a lot of area—like Hurricane Debby, but much more powerful—and in a bad location for Florida.

09/25/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricanes

Tropical Storm Helene Takes Shape

We could see 24 hours or more of gale-force winds, 5 or more inches of rain, and storm surge after the eye passes.

09/23/2024 By Bob Bunting

Spin Cycle

More Than 50 Inches of Rain Have Fallen in Sarasota Over the Past Three Months

And with Hurricane Francine churning in the Gulf, this hurricane season's lull may be over. Here's what's happening in the tropics right now.

09/10/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather

Tropical Storm Debby Will Bring Heavy Rain, Wind and Possible Coastal Flooding to Our Area

Be prepared for freshwater flooding from lots of rain and gale force winds of 50 to 60 miles per hour on the barrier islands as the storm passes.

08/04/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather

Keep Your Eyes on the Tropics: Invest 97L Could Become Tropical Storm Debby This Weekend

No matter what, the Suncoast is forecast to get 3 to 5 inches of rain over the next few days.

08/02/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hurricanes

June Smashed Hurricane Season Records

Beryl is the first major hurricane to form from a wave coming off Africa in June, and one of only three major hurricanes to form in June.

07/01/2024 By Bob Bunting

Hot Hot Heat

It's Hot and Getting Hotter—What Does That Mean for Hurricane Season?

We won't forget that 99-degree day last week anytime soon.

06/06/2024 By Bob Bunting

Weather Patterns

Hurricane Lee Is a Harbinger of Storms to Come

Lee has set a record as the quickest system to intensify from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in Atlantic hurricane season history.

09/08/2023 By Bob Bunting

Hurricanes

Hurricane Idalia Is Rapidly Intensifying

A storm surge warning, tropical storm warning and hurricane watch are in effect for Sarasota. A hurricane warning is also posted for coastal Manatee County.

08/29/2023 By Bob Bunting