TAMPA, Fla. -- Some cities to hit 90 degrees again this month

There’s no doubt about it that Tampa Bay has been very warm for this time of year. Yeah, it’s Florida and some say it’s supposed to be warm! While true, our temperatures since March 1 have been unseasonably warm and in many cases, similar to that of late May into early June. 

This all has to do with the pattern that’s been in place. High pressure parked overhead has led to continuous warmth and a long stretch of dry weather. In fact, Tampa has only received a trace of rain since the start of the month. That isn’t even measurable rain. One hundredth of an inch (0.01”) is measurable rain and Tampa hasn’t even had that yet. 

Our pattern is not going to change anytime soon. High pressure will reinforce the warmth going into the weekend and temperatures may approach record territory. 

Many cities around Tampa Bay have already hit 90 degrees this month. Lakeland and Brooksville both reached 91 degrees earlier this month. The warmth expected by the weekend could exceed that from earlier with highs in the low to mid-90s, especially away from the coast. 

Tampa hasn’t reached 90 degrees yet this season but it is very possible by the end of the week. 

Here’s where we stand as of March 23…

Tampa: 

  • Average March temp: 72.5 degrees
  • Compared to average: +5.8 degrees
  • Highest temp so far: 89 degrees, March 21

Lakeland:

  • Average March temp: 71.5 degrees
  • Compared to average: +3.5 degrees
  • Highest temp so far: 91 degrees, March 5

Brooksville:

  • Average March temp: 69.7 degrees
  • Compared to average: +6.4 degrees
  • Highest temp so far: 91 degrees (March 19, 22)