Record-breaking heat in Tampa, Florida, as temperature reaches 37.8°C (100°F) for the first time
Tampa saw its hottest temperature on record after reaching 37.8°C (100°F) at 15:30 local time on July 27, 2025.
Image credit: Edgar Cotto
Tampa reached a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) for the first time in recorded history at 15:30 LT on Sunday, July 27.
The measurement was taken at Tampa International Airport and confirmed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and NOAA’s preliminary daily climate report.
This surpasses the city’s previous record of 37.2°C (99°F), most recently observed on June 26, 2020, and initially set on June 5, 1985.
Climate records for Tampa date back to April 1, 1890, making this the highest temperature recorded in more than 135 years of monitoring.
Meteorologists attributed the extreme heat to a combination of atmospheric factors, including suppressed sea breezes, lower-than-average humidity, and a persistent high-pressure ridge over the region.
These conditions allowed for uninterrupted solar heating, enabling surface temperatures to reach unprecedented levels.
“The lack of a sea breeze due to strong offshore winds played a significant role in this historic event,” the National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists said. “Lower humidity than usual allowed the temperature to rise more rapidly than typical for Tampa summers.”
NWS office in Jacksonville issued an extreme heat warning for northeastern and northern Florida as well as southeastern Georgia, effective from 12:00–19:00 LT on Monday, July 28.
Heat index values are expected to reach up to 43.3°C (110°F) during this period. An extreme heat watch is in place for Tuesday afternoon through evening, with heat index values possibly rising to 45°C (113°F).
The warning covers multiple counties and cities, including Duval, Clay, Nassau, Putnam, Columbia, and St. Johns in Florida, and portions of Wayne, Brantley, and Ware counties in Georgia.
The NWS warns of a significant increase in heat-related illnesses and urges the public to avoid outdoor exposure, remain hydrated, and seek air-conditioned environments. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and those with preexisting conditions, are particularly at risk.
The ongoing heat is expected to persist into Tuesday, with daytime highs in the upper 30s°C (90s°F). Relief is forecast mid-week as sea breezes and higher humidity levels return to the region.
I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.
It’s highly possible that all the weather modifications taking place around the world are affecting high and low pressure movements . Substances sprayed in the upper atmosphere to block the sun could be blocking heat from escaping. There’s already enough chemicals being released from man made to natural causes,such as volcanoes. Unnatural rain down pours and excessive heat is not normal, it’s only getting started and most likely will get worse. Man should leave nature alone.