Florida’s Gulf Coast is already warming fast, and the air feels thick over Tampa Bay. By late morning, bright sun pushes temperatures through the 80s, and sidewalks radiate heat across downtown Tampa.
Highs reach 88 degrees today under sunny skies. Light northwest winds turn northeast at 5 to 9 mph, keeping the bay breeze in play.
According to the National Weather Service, tonight turns breezy with northeast winds 11 to 17 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. Lows settle near 68 degrees. That breeze may rattle patio furniture and make driving across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge slightly choppy.
Secure loose outdoor items before evening.
Sunday stays mostly sunny with a 20 percent chance of showers after 2 p.m. Highs ease to 82 degrees, but east winds increase to 13 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 23 mph. A stray shower could briefly dampen I-275 during the late afternoon.
Rain chances climb Monday. A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms develops after 2 p.m., with highs near 86. Showers may linger into Monday night. Tuesday holds a 20 percent chance of afternoon storms with highs near 87.
By Wednesday and Thursday, sunshine returns with highs near 87 to 88 degrees. Friday brings another 20 percent storm chance and highs near 89.
Expect brief downpours and lightning if storms develop early this week. Plan outdoor activities for the morning hours when coverage is lower.
Longer-range signals point to continued above-normal warmth into early April, reinforcing the early-season “Summer Tease” across West-Central Florida.
Five-Day Outlook for Tampa:
Sunday: 20% afternoon showers, 82.
Monday: 50% storms after 2 p.m., 86.
Tuesday: 20% storms, 87.
Wednesday: Partly sunny, 87.
Thursday: Sunny, 88.
