The winds of October have arrived. Over the last couple of days the wind machine is cranking. It appears it will continue well into next week. I received this e mail earlier today-
Hi everyone,
A powerful autumn blow is about to set in, with prevailing northeast to east breezes peaking at 25-30 knots across some Florida Keys coastal waters during the Wednesday night-Friday time frame.
Northeast breezes have freshened steadily during the last few days. However, a continental high pressure cell centered over the eastern United States will expand and intensify tonight through Wednesday night, resulting in additional increases in wind speed. Already well-developed seas will build further tonight and Wednesday, with the steepest and highest waves in the Gulf Stream, where wind-generated waves will oppose the current. Significant wave heights are forecast to exceed 10 feet in the Straits of Florida beginning later tonight. Remember, “significant wave height” is the average height of the highest one third of waves in a given sea state. For a significant wave height of 10 feet, about 10% of the waves will reach 13 feet, about 1% of the waves will reach 17 feet, with a few waves up to 20 feet.
Attached is a graphic from our “Nearshore Wave Prediction System” showing forecast wave heights around the Florida Keys for 2:00 p.m. EDT Wednesday, 26 October. Note the seas greater than 10 feet in the Gulf Stream.
Small Craft Advisories are now in effect for all Florida Keys coastal waters zones, and likely will remain in effect through at least Sunday.
Also, the dry weather pattern of the last several days likely will transition into a cloudier and showery pattern by Thursday, with a few thunderstorms possible as well. Showers and storms will be fast-moving, with the stronger ones capable of generating gale-force wind gusts (34 knots or higher), mainly during the Thursday-Sunday time frame.
For additional details, please consult the following information sources online from your Florida Keys National Weather Service:
NOAA/Florida Keys National Weather Service:
Florida Keys Marine Weather:
Florida Keys Coastal Waters Forecast:
Hourly Weather Graphs:
Stay safe!
Best Regards,
Chip K.
—
Kennard “Chip” Kasper
Senior Forecaster-Marine Program Meteorologist
NOAA/National Weather Service
1315 White Street
Key West, Florida 33040
So it looks like our next trip will be November 4th, a 2 Day Mutton Marathon. That trip still needs a few more fares to get off the dock. If your looking for a light load this will be the trip. Even 4 stern spots available. Please click here.
Out last trips have been a pick. One customer said it best, “Fish hard, fish smart and pay attention. A 150 quart cooler can be filled”. Overall I think that is a fair observation.
So with almost 2 weeks off it is time to work on the Yankee Capts. Since the cooler weather has arrived I have a list of things to get done. I will pick away at things and try to get some R&R for myself.
Thanks for looking,
Greg
