Saturday starts off mild and mostly clear around Tampa, with temperatures hovering in the mid-60s and some patchy fog possible before sunrise. The afternoon heats up quickly to around 84°F, so it will feel more like spring than winter for a bit. Light south-southwest breezes keep the day calm and comfortable, which makes it a solid window for outdoor plans before a fast-changing cold front sweeps in late Sunday.
Foggy Mornings, Sunny Afternoons
Shallow, patchy fog is likely in low-lying neighborhoods and along inland waterways through about 8 a.m., especially along the Nature Coast and around the bay. Once the sun gets to work, that fog should fade fast, leaving mostly sunny skies and highs in the low to mid-80s.
If you are out on the road early, stick with low beams, ease off the gas, and leave extra room for slower cars in front of you. Visibility could change quickly from block to block.
Cold Front Arrives Sunday Morning
A strong cold front is expected to push through the Nature Coast early Sunday, reaching the Tampa Bay area around 7 a.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 22. It will drag a line of rain showers across the region and flip the wind around to the west-northwest.
Showers are likely on Sunday with roughly a 70% chance in many locations, and winds will pick up with gusts in the 20 to 25 mph range. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures tumble Sunday night into Monday, with daytime highs only in the mid-50s and overnight lows dropping into the 30s in inland spots.
Coastal And Marine Concerns
Sea fog will linger at times over the nearshore Gulf waters through the weekend. As the west-northwest wind strengthens Sunday into Monday, expect choppy seas and hazardous conditions for small boats.
Boaters and beachgoers should plan for periods of reduced visibility along with a higher rip current risk once winds and waves kick up. It is also a good idea to secure light outdoor items before those gusts arrive.
Local Resources
Hillsborough County has been activating cold-weather shelters when forecasts dip to about 40°F. Residents without reliable heat, along with people experiencing homelessness, can find shelter sites and motel-voucher information on the county website. For details and guidance, see the county newsroom announcement at Hillsborough County Newsroom.
How To Prepare
Cover or move sensitive plants indoors before the cooler air settles in, check on elderly neighbors and pets, and plan to layer up for a much colder Monday morning. Tie down or bring in outdoor furniture and lights before winds increase, and give yourself extra time for early Sunday and Monday commutes when weather and visibility may be changing quickly.
