Tampa Bay residents experienced unprecedented heat yesterday as temperatures at Tampa International Airport climbed to a record-breaking 97 degrees Fahrenheit, shattering the previous April high mark.
The National Weather Service in Ruskin confirmed the new record, which surpassed the former April high of 96 degrees set in 2019. St. Petersburg and Clearwater also reported exceptional heat, with readings of 95 degrees at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.
“This is truly remarkable for early April,” said Dr. Monica Sanchez, a climate scientist at the University of South Florida. “While Tampa Bay typically experiences warm spring temperatures, yesterday’s reading was nearly 15 degrees above the seasonal average for this time of year.”
The record comes amid an unusually warm start to 2025, with temperatures consistently running 3 to 5 degrees above normal across the region. Tampa’s all-time record high stands at 99 degrees Fahrenheit, recorded in June 2020 and previously in June 1985.
Local residents sought relief at beaches and parks throughout the region. Attendance at Clearwater Beach reportedly doubled compared to typical weekday numbers, while city splash pads saw continuous use throughout the day.
“I’ve lived here for 30 years and can’t remember an April day this hot,” said Tampa resident Carlos Martinez, who brought his family to the fountains at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. “We’re usually comfortable well into May before the real summer heat arrives.”
The National Weather Service forecasts continued above-average temperatures for the coming week, though not quite reaching yesterday’s peak. Meteorologists attribute the heat to a persistent high-pressure system and unusually low rainfall that has left the region without the cooling effects of typical spring showers.
Health officials urged residents to take precautions, emphasizing hydration and limiting outdoor activities during the hottest periods of the day.
“With heat this extreme coming so early in the season, people haven’t had time to acclimate,” said Dr. James Wilson, emergency medicine physician at Tampa General Hospital. “We’re already seeing an uptick in heat-related visits to the ER.”
The early-season heat has raised concerns about what summer might bring. Climate data indicates the Tampa Bay region has been experiencing progressively warmer temperatures over the past decade, with more frequent record-breaking events.
Officials at Tampa Electric reported a substantial increase in power usage yesterday as air conditioning systems worked overtime across the service area, though the grid handled the demand without incident.