Florida — Warm air settles in early this morning across the Tampa Bay area, wrapping the city in a quiet, almost summer-like calm. Palm fronds barely move, streets remain dry, and the first official week of winter feels anything but cold.
By mid-morning Monday, temperatures climb steadily toward 80 degrees under sunny skies. Light northeast winds stay gentle, keeping travel smooth across I-275, I-4, and local roadways. For now, weather-related delays look unlikely, a welcome break for holiday travelers.
This pattern holds through Tuesday. Sunshine dominates, and highs reach the low 80s by afternoon. Nights remain mild, hovering near 60 degrees. While much of the country tracks snow and freezing rain, Tampa stays firmly on the warm side of the system.
Meteorologists note this warmth as an early winter tease rather than a long-term trend. Cooler air often arrives suddenly later in December. For now, models show no rain threats and no cold snap through Christmas Eve.
Wednesday, Christmas Eve, continues the trend. Expect clear skies and highs near 80 degrees, ideal for outdoor gatherings and travel plans. Roads remain dry, visibility stays excellent, and airport operations should remain smooth.
Drivers should still stay alert during early morning hours. Patchy fog can briefly form inland, though impacts look minimal. With mild nights and dry pavement, flash-freeze risks stay nonexistent this week.
Looking ahead, Tampa remains warm into the weekend. While winter officially begins today, Florida continues its seasonal contrast with much colder conditions nationwide.
Enjoy the sunshine, but stay weather-aware. December patterns can shift quickly. Are you traveling this week, or staying local to enjoy the warmth?
Five-Day Outlook for Tampa, FL
- Monday: Sunny, high near 80, calm travel conditions
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, high near 81
- Wednesday (Christmas Eve): Sunny, high near 80
- Christmas Day: Sunny and warm, high near 80
- Thursday: Mostly clear, high near 79
