Tampa rolled out of bed Friday under a thick blanket of muggy fog across the bay and low-lying neighborhoods, with temperatures stuck in the low 60s and coastal visibility knocked way down. The murk should lift by mid-morning, trading the gray for bright, warm afternoons with highs near 84°F Friday and about 83°F Saturday. Patchy fog is likely to creep back in overnight both nights, so early drivers and boaters should expect slower going before sunrise. Keep headlights on, stick to low beams, and leave extra room to stop until the haze finally burns off.
Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
Areas of fog will be most widespread before 10 a.m., then thin out quickly once the sun gets to work. Afternoon temperatures should dip only slightly from the midday peak and stay well above normal, hovering near 80-84°F, according to the National Weather Service. South-southwest breezes will keep humidity running high, and sea fog could at times cut visibility along the immediate Gulf shoreline. Expect a similar setup Saturday morning, with patchy fog again before daybreak.
Rain Likely Sunday, Then A Sharp Cooldown
A cold front will sweep through late Sunday into early Monday, bringing a solid chance of showers and a few thunderstorms on Sunday, with most spots picking up less than a quarter-inch of rain. Behind the front temperatures will tumble quickly, with highs around 58°F Monday and lows near the upper 30s Monday night. Interior areas and the Nature Coast could touch freezing early Tuesday, raising concerns for frost and stress on sensitive plants and unprotected pipes. North winds will gust into the 20s, so the temperature drop will feel especially sharp. By midweek, readings rebound and sunshine looks to return by Wednesday.
Commute, Flights And Boaters
Early fog could bring IFR/LIFR conditions at area terminals and slow the morning commute, so air travelers may want to check the Tampa International Airport flight status before heading out. Boaters should watch for sea fog over the eastern Gulf and consider delaying nonessential trips until visibility improves, and mariners should be ready for rougher conditions as winds pick up behind the front. A few simple moves - slow down in the fog, use low beams, and secure outdoor hoses and tender plants ahead of the cold snap - can help avoid the usual travel and property headaches this week.
