April 2018 is in the books and it was an interesting month. We spent many days below average, yet because of the days that were above average by quite a bit, the month actually averaged out to be warmer than a normal April.

In addition, even though April is typically one of the drier months, we had a few rain events that enabled most areas to finish the month with above normal rainfall. We managed a few sea breeze-driven thunderstorm days that even produced very heavy rainfall in a few spots.

The only location with below normal rainfall was Central to Southern Pinellas County. Otherwise, pretty decent rain (by April standards) fell across the rest of the area.

Let's look at the averages for the month.

Tampa
Avg Temp 74.6 (2.6 degrees above average)
Rainfall 2.16 inches (0.13 inches above normal)

Lakeland
Avg Temp 73.5 (2.4 degrees above average)
Rainfall 3.82 inches (1.15 inches above normal)

St Petersburg
Avg Temp 74.7 (1.7 degrees above average)
Rainfall 1.13 inches (1.14 inches below normal)

Bradenton
Avg Temp 72.5 (1.4 degrees above average)
Rainfall 2.52 inches (0.08 inches above normal)

Brooksville
Avg Temp 69.9 (2.2 degrees above average)
Rainfall 5.16 inches (2.6 inches above normal)​

Looking into May, we typically continue with very dry weather until we get into our Summer rainy season. So, May usually ends up with low rain totals. Some years, the rainy season will begin near the end of May for the inland locations. That is why when you see the numbers below, Lakeland will have a higher "normal" May rainfall. May, is certainly the month where we transition to hot weather as highs easily push 90 by the end of the month on a daily basis.

Tampa
Avg temps. high 84, low 66 on the 1st to 89/73 on the 31st with 2.10 inches of rainfall historical average for May

Lakeland
Avg temps. high 85, low 63 on the 1st to 90/70 on the 31st with 3.36 inches of rainfall historical average for May

St Pete
Avg temps. high 84, low 68 on the 1st to 89/74 on the 31st with 2.21 inches of rainfall historical average for May

Bradenton
Avg temps. high 83, low 64 on the 1st to 90/70 on the 31st with 2.21 inches of rainfall historical average for May​

Just looking at some trends for the next week or two, we should generally average out near or above normal temperatures with typically dry weather as high pressure at the surface and aloft will be in control of the weather through the first week to 10 days of the month.