Beach conditions in Manatee County swell for New Year's Eve

Beach conditions in Manatee County swell for New Year's Eve

MANATEE -- Rough surf conditions and early morning fog did not keep people away from Manatee County beaches Wednesday, and those conditions dissipated quickly.

Manatee County residents woke Wednesday morning to a blanket of fog. It stopped few beachgoers.

By midday, public beaches were jam-packed, despite ground swells producing choppy surf conditions.

Yellow flags were waving on Anna Maria Island, according to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. A yellow flags indicates a medium hazard is present because of moderate surf and/or currents.

Winds coming out of the south produced a 2- to 4-foot chop.

"Beach conditions are getting better," BayNews9 meteorologist Mike Clay said. "The waves are getting lighter rapidly."

Soon, the high surf advisory was canceled.

On Thursday, the forecast shows light winds with a high of 83 degrees, just below the previous record of 87.

"It is still going to be very mild, partly cloudy," Clay said for New Year's Eve.

The temperature at midnight on New Year's Eve is forecast for 75 degrees. Overnight, from Thursday to Friday, the low will be 70 degrees.

Weather changes will start New Year's Day with a cold front pushing through bring some rain and milder temperatures Friday. Milder temperatures are expected to stick around for at least a few days.

The Manatee County Emergency Communications Center said it received two calls for marine rescue Wednesday. Both were false alarms.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 8:04 PM with the headline "Beach conditions in Manatee County swell for New Year's Eve ."