TAMPA, FL – The pre-dawn air feels almost still across Hillsborough Bay as lights from the Howard Frankland Bridge shimmer on calm water. Dew clings to parked cars and palm fronds, and the mild warmth hints that Tampa Bay’s next few days will stay more summer than fall.
According to the National Weather Service in Ruskin, mostly sunny skies and highs near 88 degrees will dominate early this week. A light east breeze Monday morning turns northeast by afternoon, helping keep humidity manageable. By Tuesday, southerly winds return briefly, allowing one more warm push—highs again around 88 to 89 degrees under a hazy, late-October sun.
Those commuting along I-275 and U.S. 41 can expect smooth travel and bright, dry conditions through Wednesday. However, a shift in the wind pattern will begin midweek as a ridge of high pressure settles over the Gulf. North and northeast breezes strengthen Wednesday night into Thursday, ushering in slightly cooler, drier air.
Afternoon highs will still reach the mid-80s late week, but mornings will feel crisper, with lows slipping into the upper 60s. The air will turn less humid—perfect for early Halloween prep, yardwork, or long runs along Bayshore Boulevard.
Looking to the weekend, sunshine remains dominant, but subtle signs of the season’s first fall cooldown appear in long-range models. By early next week, Tampa Bay may finally see its first morning in the 60s—a small but steady step toward Florida’s version of fall.
Five-Day Forecast for Tampa, FL:
Mon: 87/71 – Mostly sunny; light northeast wind, warm afternoon.
Tue: 88/70 – Hot, bright; humidity increasing slightly.
Wed: 87/66 – Sunny; north breeze develops, lower humidity late.
Thu: 86/63 – Clear and breezy; cooler morning.
Fri: 86/68 – Mostly sunny; early sign of a fall cooldown ahead.
