Florida commuters face glowing taillights and sudden gray walls as dense fog settles across Tampa Bay.
Visibility drops quickly in spots, turning familiar routes into slow-moving hazards. A Dense Fog Weather Alert remains in effect through the morning hours.
Fog blankets much of the Tampa Bay area early today. Visibility may fall to one-quarter mile or less, especially near waterways and low-lying neighborhoods. Drivers on I-275, I-4, and the Selmon Expressway should expect rapidly changing conditions. Bridges and causeways pose added risk where moisture lingers.
Travel improves later this morning as temperatures rise and fog lifts. Sunshine breaks through by late morning, and the afternoon turns warm and calm. Highs climb into the low 80s, a springlike feel for January 2026. For now, outdoor plans recover quickly once fog clears.
Fog may return again late tonight into early Friday. Moist air remains trapped near the surface, allowing patchy dense fog to redevelop before sunrise. Morning commuters should plan extra time and use caution on secondary roads.
Friday turns bright and warm after fog fades. Afternoon highs reach the low 80s under sunny skies. Saturday follows a similar pattern, offering dry weather and comfortable conditions for events and travel. Light winds keep the air feeling mild, though early fog remains possible.
Changes arrive late Sunday. Clouds increase, and a weak system brings a slight chance of showers by morning. Roads may briefly turn slick, but widespread rain is not expected. Highs ease back into the upper 70s as winds shift.
Early next week trends cooler and breezier. Monday highs settle in the upper 60s, bringing a more seasonal feel back to west-central Florida. Even so, daylight continues to increase, adding noticeable evening light by late January.
Drive smart: slow down in fog, use low-beam headlights, and leave extra following distance this morning.
Five-Day Outlook (Tampa Bay, FL)
- Today: Dense fog early, then sunny and warm, high near 82°F
- Friday: Morning fog, then sunny, high near 83°F
- Saturday: Sunny, high near 82°F
- Sunday: Slight chance of showers early, high near 77°F
- Monday: Mostly sunny and cooler, high near 68°F
