Tampa, Florida – Relentless heat pushed Tampa to its all-time hottest temperature of 100° on Saturday, capping off one of the warmest Julys on record across west-central Florida. According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, average temperatures ran up to two degrees above normal for the month, ranking Tampa as the third warmest July in local history and placing several nearby cities—like Lakeland and Winter Haven—among their top four.
Fort Myers, Lakeland, and Punta Gorda all experienced daytime highs near or above 98° during multiple heatwaves this July, with Tampa, Lakeland, and Winter Haven each tying or setting top-three warmest July records. Rainfall was spotty and highly localized: Tampa picked up 7.60 inches for the month, barely below normal, but Fort Myers saw just 5.00 inches—making it the 15th driest July on record there.
With heat advisories blanketing much of the region throughout July, officials urged residents to avoid strenuous activity in the afternoon, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Daily afternoon storms did little to cool things off or break the pattern of unusually warm nights, with lows in the mid-70s common.
More advisories could follow as summer heat continues. Stay tuned for daily updates and remain cautious during peak afternoon hours.
