Rafael is expected to move westward today

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – Rafael continues to withdraw from Cuba. It currently remains well organized with good outflow and relatively low shear force. The government of Cuba has halted its hurricane warning, and tropical storm warnings for the Lower and Middle Keys have been discontinued. The tropical storm warning for the Dry Tortugas remains in effect and tropical storm force winds are expected over that island this morning.

The storm will begin moving west today, with little chance of further strengthening. On this trajectory, Rafael will move further and further away from the Suncoast, and the consequences will remain minimal. Rafael’s main effects will be gusty winds and the Small Craft Advisory. These effects will diminish during the evening, with the main ongoing effects being cloudy and a small chance of rain. The gusty winds will continue into the weekend, prompting a current statement in effect until November 8 at 7pm. The Small Craft Advisory will remain active until tomorrow morning.

The greatest chance of a shower or thunderstorm is between approximately 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. After that, drier air will move in and rain chances will decrease quickly. The drier air will lower the dew point, making the air more comfortable after midnight. The wind will remain quite strong in the afternoon, with gusts of around 20 to 20 degrees. The wind will decrease slightly in the evening, with gusts in the 20s or 20s.

Friday will be sunny and warm, with lower humidity and drier air, eliminating the chance of rain and keeping us dry all weekend. The temperature will remain about five degrees above average until Sunday.