Today starts clear and muggy in Tampa, with 69°F (20°C) reported at the airport. Strong sunshine is on tap through the day, with highs near 86°F this afternoon and light southerly breezes around 2 to 7 mph. Humidity will keep the air feeling sticky, but rain chances are essentially nil for Friday.
Afternoon Heat And Sea Breeze
Temperatures will climb into the mid 80s inland and stay a bit cooler right along the coast once a west coast sea breeze kicks in this afternoon. Stable mid level air should suppress any widespread storms, so outdoor events and errands will generally stay dry today.
Front Arrives Saturday Night; Breezy Sunday
A cold front moves in tomorrow, bringing a chance of showers and a few thunderstorms from Saturday night into Sunday. Winds will ramp up behind the front, with advisory-level northeast winds and gusts near 20 to 30 mph possible Saturday night into Sunday, especially over the coastal waters. Homeowners with loose outdoor furniture should secure items, and small-craft operators ought to plan for rougher seas, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.
What This Means For Your Plans
Saturday will still run warm, with highs in the upper 80s, before daytime temperatures ease back into the low 80s on Sunday. If you have evening outdoor plans, a light jacket will feel good once the breeze picks up. Keep an umbrella handy on Sunday afternoon in case a shower drifts through.
How This Compares To Earlier March Weather
This pattern of foggy, humid mornings turning hot in the afternoons has already shown up earlier this month in our coverage. For background, see our earlier forecast on fog then sizzling afternoon heat.
Bottom line: enjoy a sunny, warm Friday, and look for a breezier, slightly cooler weekend with a few rain chances beginning Saturday night. Check the National Weather Service before any water activities and for short-term updates as the front approaches.
