You know that classic Florida vibe where you walk outside and immediately feel like you’re being hugged by a warm, damp towel? Yeah, throw that out the window today. Honestly, what’s the weather for tampa today is a total curveball compared to the postcards.
If you're waking up in Tampa this Sunday, January 18, 2026, it’s actually clear and roughly 56°F right now. Sounds okay, right? But don't let that midnight sky fool you. Things are about to get weirdly cold and a bit messy as a major front pushes through the region.
The Morning Mess: Rain and Falling Numbers
Basically, you’ve got a 65% chance of light rain today. It’s not going to be a tropical monsoon, but it’s enough to ruin a car wash or a bike ride on the Riverwalk. The high for today is technically 68°F, but here is the kicker: that high is likely happening early.
By the afternoon, the wind is going to shift. We're looking at a west wind kicking up to 24 mph. That’s not a breeze; that’s "hold onto your hat" territory. As that wind picks up, the temperature is going to start sliding down the thermometer.
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By tonight, the rain clears out, but the cold moves in to stay. We are talking about a low of 37°F. Yes, 37. In Tampa.
What’s the Weather for Tampa Today: Not Your Average Sunday
If you’re planning to be out by the water, maybe rethink the boat day. The National Weather Service has already been chatting about High Surf Advisories and Small Craft Advisories for Tampa Bay. That 24 mph wind is going to make the Gulf pretty angry.
- Current Temp: 56°F (Night)
- Today's High: 68°F
- Tonight's Low: 37°F
- Wind Speed: 24 mph from the West
- Rain Chance: 65% during the day
It’s sorta wild how fast the humidity is hovering at 81% to 87%. It makes the air feel heavy, even when it’s chilly. Usually, cold air is dry, but this transition period is keeping things damp.
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Why it feels colder than the number says
The wind chill is the real story here. When you combine 24 mph gusts with temperatures dropping into the 40s and 30s, it feels significantly colder than the actual air temp. If you’re heading to a late-afternoon football watch party or grabbing dinner in Ybor, bring the heavy hoodie. You’ll definitely need it by the time you're walking back to your car.
Surviving the "Tampa Tundra"
Local experts and the folks over at 10 Tampa Bay are already mentioning warming shelters. When it hits the 30s, it’s a legitimate safety concern for people and pets who aren't used to the dip.
Honestly, the biggest mistake people make in Tampa is assuming the "low" happens while they're asleep and won't affect them. With this front, the "feel" of the day changes drastically between 11 AM and 4 PM.
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Pro-tip for your plants: If you have those sensitive tropicals or hibiscus in pots, move them inside or near the house tonight. 37°F is close enough to the frost line that some of your more "Florida-style" greenery might not be too happy by Monday morning.
Actionable Steps for Today:
- Check the radar before 10 AM. Most of that 65% rain chance is front-loaded.
- Layer up. Start with a light jacket, but have a real coat ready for after sunset.
- Secure the patio. That 24 mph wind will toss lightweight pool furniture or umbrellas.
- Pet safety. Bring the dogs in early. If it's too cold for you to stand in the yard in a t-shirt, it's too cold for them to stay out all night.
What’s the weather for tampa today is really a tale of two different days. You get a soggy, mild morning followed by a windy, winter-feeling evening. Stay dry while you can, and get the blankets ready for the overnight drop.