March 2015 was one of the warmest on record for Tampa Bay.

In fact up until a few days ago, March was about to crack the warmest March on record. But, we did end up one last cold front that knocked the temperatures back over the last few days.

March, 2015 will still end up as a top 10 warmest March on record in most of our cities and locations that keep records. Throughout the month, only 6 days had temperatures that averaged below normal. March of 2015 was also a very dry month as we  only had a few days with measurable precipitation.

Here is a look at the numbers:

Tampa

  • Average Temp: 73.0 degrees (5.7 degrees above average), 4th warmest March on record
  • Rainfall: 1.03” (-2.0 inches below average)

Lakeland

  • Average Temp: 72.3 degrees (5.5 degrees above average) 7th warmest March on record
  • Rainfall: 1.20” (2.69 inches below average)

St Petersburg

  • Average Temp: 73.0 degrees (5.0 degrees above average) 6th warmest March on record
  • Rainfall: 0.52” (3.23 inches below average)

Bradenton (data from Sarasota-Bradenton airport)

  • Average Temp: 71.5 degrees (4.9 degrees above average) 5th warmest March on record
  • Rainfall: 0.98” (2.88 inches below average)

So, now that March is over, what can we expect heading into April? April is a warmer month, but is typically one of our driest months. The expression “April showers” does not apply to our area.

In Tampa, the averages go from a high of 78 and a low of 61 on March 1 to 84 and 66 on March 30, with an average of only 2.03 inches of rain

In Lakeland, the averages go from 80 and 58 on March 1 to 85 and 63 on March 20, with an average of only 2.67 inches of rain.

In St. Petersburg, the averages go from 78 and 63 on March 1 to 84 and 68 on March 20, with an average of only 2.27 inches of rain.

In Bradenton, the averages go from 78 and 59 on March 1 to 83 and 64 on March 30, with only 2.44 inches of rain.

The short-term weather pattern is looking to be warmer than average and mainly dry.

Enjoy the first week of the new month and stay cool.