It may look like a Chamber of Commerce postcard at Tampa International this morning, with clear skies and mid 60s readings, but the weather comes with a catch. Tampa Bay heads into a mostly sunny Monday, February 16, 2026, with a high near 74°F expected this afternoon. A light north-northwest breeze around 7 mph will keep beaches a few degrees cooler than inland spots. Tonight, plan on a low near 56°F under partly cloudy skies.
Rip Currents And Beach Safety
A High Rip Current Risk is posted through this evening for Pinellas, coastal Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties, and it is not something to shrug off. Rip currents can yank even strong swimmers away from shore in seconds. “Swim near a lifeguard,” the National Weather Service advises, and if you do get caught in a rip, do not fight it head on. Instead, float to conserve energy and try to swim along the shoreline rather than against the current, according to the National Weather Service.
Today And The Week Ahead
Today stays mostly sunny with a high near 74°F and light north-northwest winds, a classic mild Gulf Coast winter afternoon. Tonight turns partly cloudy with a low around 56°F.
From there, the warmup kicks in. Highs climb to near 80°F on Tuesday and Wednesday, then into the low 80s by Friday and Saturday. Rain chances stay low, with only a slight chance of showers on Sunday. Late-night and early-morning fog is possible Thursday and Friday, which could trim visibility for the morning commute on those days.
Heads Up For Boaters, Commuters And Beachgoers
Hazardous marine conditions early today should gradually ease as the day wears on, but Small Craft Exercise Caution seas may linger offshore. Recreational boaters should consider postponing nonessential trips and make sure loose gear on board is secured.
Drivers should be prepared for pockets of fog late in the week, while beachgoers will want to balance the inviting sunshine with the serious rip risk. For the latest watches, local tide information and any updates to the rip current alerts, check the National Weather Service.
