Snow flurries possible in Tampa Bay this weekend
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It's already been a chilly week in Tampa Bay, and it's about to get even colder.
- But snow flurries cold?
State of play: It's possible, local forecasters say. "A non-zero chance" is how National Weather Service Tampa Bay meteorologist Nicole Carlisle put it to Axios.
- Don't expect it to stick or accumulate, Carlisle said, but thanks to a rare phenomenon called the Gulf effect, Tampa Bay might get some flakes overnight Saturday into Sunday.
How it works: A cold front coming through the region this weekend will bring rain Friday night and Saturday morning, Carlisle said.
- Behind that front are powerful northwest winds that will blast cold air into the region. As that air moves over the relatively warmer Gulf, it'll pick up moisture that could then fall as snow.
- It's the same thing that happens in the Great Lakes region, Carlisle said, just not as cold.
What they're saying: "Florida Flurry Frenzy in full effect," WFLA chief meteorologist Jeff Berardelli posted on X, adding that the best chance to see flurries is along the coast early Sunday.
- In his usual measured style, Tampa Bay 28 chief meteorologist Denis Phillips urged folks to manage their expectations.
- "Most likely case? Cold air, excitement, then disappointment," Phillips wrote. "Either way, EXTREME COLD is on the way."
We'll feel that waking up Sunday, when temperatures are expected to hit the low 30s on the coast or 20s inland, per NWS.
- "Feels like" temperatures will be even colder due to wind.
What's next: The chill will linger into next week, then we'll get a brief chance to thaw out on Wednesday, when it'll warm up to more normal temperatures, Carlisle said.
Yes, but: Don't put those coats away yet.
- Another cold front could be on the way late next week.