A trough of lower pressure to the west and north over the interior southeast...combined with a ridge of high pressure to the east will keep surface winds generally from a southerly to westerly direction over the next several days.

The pressure gradient is likely to be stronger tonight into Saturday ...and some winds approaching 15 knots cannot be ruled out.

Otherwise... conditions approaching advisory or cautionary levels for small craft are not anticipated.

Some gusty winds and locally higher seas will be possible near scattered thunderstorms.

Forecast as of 9:45 PM EDT on July 20, 2012

Coastal Waters From Apalachicola To Destin Fl Out 20 Nm-
Waters From Apalachicola To Destin Fl From 20 To 60 Nm-

Tonight
Southwest wind 10 to 15 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. Areas of rain in the evening...then a chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms after midnight.

Saturday
Southwest wind 10 to 15 knots becoming south around 10 knots in the afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Saturday Night
South wind 5 to 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Sunday
Southeast wind 5 to 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth. A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Sunday Night
East wind around 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters smooth. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Monday
Southeast wind around 10 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters smooth. A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Monday Night
South wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Tuesday
South wind 5 to 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth. A chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night
Southwest wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms.

Wednesday
West wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth. A chance of showers and thunderstorms.