Temperatures In Tampa Never Hit 100°, But Could Next Week
We’re in for a rough summer here across Tampa Bay with temperatures already hitting the mid-90s and it’s only May. Summer hasn’t even started and we’re out here feeling like it’s the middle of August already. Next week, we could reach the highest temperatures in Tampa history ever recorded.
Usually when May rolls around the temps start rising across the Tampa Bay area. It’s nothing new. But, this year the temperatures in Tampa are soaring a bit higher than usual and earlier than usual.
One of the best parts about Summers in Florida is the afternoon rain showers and storms. Nothing hits quite like the afternoon showers on a hot summer day. That 15-30 minute monsoon really takes the edge off.
![Temperatures In Tampa Have Never Hit 100°, But Could Next Week - photo from the beach off the gulf of mexico](https://wild941.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/81/2024/05/beach-film-photo.jpg?w=1024)
Yesterday, the people of r/Tampa posted a screenshot of the upcoming weekly forecast for Tampa, from the Apple weather app. With temperatures looking like they’re going to be 94+ degrees all next week, Thursday looks to bring the real heat showing 100 degrees Fahrenheit of pure sun.
I checked with Accuweather to see what they were saying and they’re ringing in the temperature to be around 97 and 98 next Thursday and Friday. The good news is, the Gulf of Mexico is still under 85 degrees today so the water is refreshing. Could we finally see the highest temperatures in Tampa history next week?
Why Have Temperatures In Tampa Never Hit 100°?
Obviously, Tampa still gets hot and steamy during the summer months. Between the tropical wildlife, heat, humidity, and gators, we pretty much live in Jurassic Park.
It might come as a shock, but Tampa has never officially hit 100 degrees. Since they began keeping track of temperatures in Tampa back in 1890, Tampa has only ever made it as high as 99 degrees.
From 1890 until 1939, temperatures were measured at the weather station in downtown Tampa. Since 1940, temperatures in Tampa have been measured at Tampa’s International Airport.
Back in McFly’s day, Tampa recorded a 99-degree day on June 5th, 1985. The next time we saw a 99-degree day was on June 26, 2020.
There are a few reasons temperatures in Tampa have never hit 100 degrees. Since we’re surrounded by water, the cooler air from the ocean passes over Tampa and slows down heating. Another reason is because the afternoon rain and storms cool down the city during the peak heat hours, but this brings in the humidity.