16NM ESE Shell Point FL

Synopsis: A cold front draped over the southeast US has been producing scattered showers and thunderstorms across mainly our westernmost waters and coastal Panhandle this afternoon. This activity has made for cautionary boating conditions in those zones today. A Special Marine Warning is currently in effect for nearshore and portions of offshore legs extending between Okaloosa-Walton and Mexico Beach, FL until 3pm CST where wind gusts greater than 34 knots, small hail, and waterspouts are possible. The potential for areas of fog also exists late tonight into tomorrow morning. Held off on a Marine Dense Fog Advisory because of the uncertainty with the nearby convection.

Convective activity is forecast to persist through Wed and shift east with the progress of the front. Therefore, cautionary boating conditions prevail today and tomorrow, with locally hazardous winds and seas near thunderstorms. Once the front clears the area, strong northerly winds filter in its wake, leading to Advisory levels Wed night through early Thurs. Gale-force gusts will be a possibility as well. Cautionary or borderline winds and seas are expected heading into the weekend. Rain chances return on Sat night.