Easterly winds will remain fairly strong this morning and early this afternoon...especially in offshore areas.

Sustained winds offshore will likely be in the 15 to 20 knot range.

After today...high pressure will remain centered well north and east of the forecast area through the weekend...keeping winds and seas below headline criteria.

This high will begin to weaken late Sunday as a cold front approaches.

This front will move over the waters early next week...with increasing onshore flow ahead of the front...and offshore flow in its wake.

Forecast as of 10:21 am EST on December 7, 2012

Small craft operators exercise caution today
Coastal Waters From Apalachicola To Destin Fl Out 20 Nm-
Coastal Waters From Ochlockonee River To Apalachicola Fl Out To
20 Nm-Waters From Apalachicola To Destin Fl From 20 To 60 Nm-
Waters From Suwannee River To Apalachicola Fl From 20 To 60 Nm-

Today
East wind 15 to 20 knots offshore...and around 15 knots nearshore...becoming around 10 knots in the late afternoon. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. Isolated showers well offshore.

Tonight
Southeast wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth.

Saturday
South wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 foot or less. Protected waters smooth to a light chop.

Saturday Night
Southeast wind around 5 knots. Seas 1 foot or less. Protected waters smooth.

Sunday
South wind around 10 knots. Seas 1 foot or less. Protected waters smooth. A slight chance of rain.

Sunday Night
South wind 5 to 10 knots increasing to 10 to 15 knots late. Seas 1 to 2 feet. Protected waters smooth increasing to a light to moderate chop late. A slight chance of showers.

Monday
Southwest wind around 15 knots. Seas 2 to 3 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. A chance of showers.

Monday Night
West wind around 15 knots. Seas 2 to 4 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. A chance of showers.

Tuesday
Northwest wind 10 to 15 knots. Seas 2 to 4 feet. Protected waters a light to moderate chop. A chance of showers.