Today started cool and clear in Tampa, with temperatures near 62°F at daybreak and a quick warmup on the way. Expect a mostly sunny afternoon high near 87°F, with an east-northeast breeze that strengthens as the day goes on. Some patchy early-morning fog may hug the Nature Coast, but most neighborhoods will stay bright and dry.
Afternoon Winds Pick Up
Winds out of the east-northeast should run about 6 to 12 mph today, with gusts climbing into the upper teens and a few stronger surges this evening that can kick up choppier conditions on Tampa Bay. Those breezes will linger after sunset, with gusts around 18 to 20 mph in spots. Small-boat operators will want to keep a close eye on the late-day easterly surge; the National Weather Service notes that these surges may bring short stretches of cautionary-level marine winds through the middle of the week, though no local marine warnings are posted at the moment, according to NWS Tampa Bay.
Drought And Water Rules
The region is still running dry, and local leaders have tightened the rules on outdoor water use. Hillsborough County and several nearby utilities are enforcing a one-day-per-week irrigation schedule after the Southwest Florida Water Management District put a Modified Phase III water shortage in place in early April, according to Hillsborough County. Residents are urged to stick to their assigned watering day, rely more on hand-watering or micro-irrigation, and skip any open burning while the landscape stays parched.
Plan For The Week
Heat builds through the workweek, with highs reaching around 90°F on Tuesday and Wednesday and topping out near 92°F by Friday. It is a good week to schedule yard work, runs, and outdoor jobs for the cooler morning and evening hours. Afternoon humidity should stay modest in many inland areas, so the heat will feel a bit drier but still definitely warm. Overnight lows will hold in the low to mid 60s. If you are heading out on the water this evening, make sure to check the latest marine forecast before you launch, since those late-day easterly surges can briefly leave the bay on the rough side.
