TAMPA, Fla. – After weeks of summer-like weather, a significant cold front is set to sweep through the Tampa Bay area, bringing a taste of autumn just in time for the start of the week. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay–Ruskin reports that temperatures will begin to drop substantially starting Monday, marking the area’s first true experience of late-autumn air.
Sunday will see highs reaching the low 80s, but as the cold front approaches on Sunday night, a few isolated thunderstorms may develop, particularly north of Interstate 4 and west of Interstate 75. As the storms pass, expect skies to clear by Monday morning, accompanied by a refreshing northwest breeze.
The stark change in temperature will be evident on Monday, with highs only reaching around 66 degrees, nearly 20 degrees cooler than Sunday. Winds could gust up to 25 mph, contributing to a brisk atmosphere reminiscent of late November rather than early fall. Temperatures Monday night are forecasted to dip to the upper 30s inland and the low 40s near the bay, marking the coolest air that Tampa has experienced since spring.
Veterans Day promises to be bright but cool, with highs near 62 degrees and a gentle northeasterly breeze, providing ideal weather for ceremonies, morning walks, or early holiday decorating. As the week progresses, sunshine and mild temperatures are expected to return, but the overarching trend shows a national shift as Arctic air moves southward through the Plains and Southeast.
In short, Tampa Bay residents can look forward to one last warm weekend followed by the refreshing coolness many have been anticipating. The five-day forecast indicates that while Saturday will see patchy morning fog with highs of 84 degrees, Sunday will hold a slight storm chance with highs of 83 degrees. Monday’s sharp cooldown brings sunny skies, and temperatures remain cool into Tuesday with highs around 62 degrees before a gradual warming trend sets in by Wednesday.