Thanksgiving is blowing in with a shiver

Highs in the 70s may return late in the week, but more cold air is expected this weekend.

By AMY WIMMER

© St. Petersburg Times, published November 20, 2000

If your out-of-town relatives are expecting beach-worthy weather for their Thanksgiving visit, they might be disappointed.

A cold front moved over Tampa Bay and the North Suncoast on Sunday night, bringing chilly and wet weather. Temperatures should rise again by midweek, but don't get too used to it: A second cold front will follow.

"It's called winter," said Dan Sobien, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Ruskin. "We have some strong cold fronts coming in."

Tampa Bay area highs for today and Tuesday are expected to be in the 60s with lows in the 40s. Throw in a 40 percent chance of rain for today, along with the possibility of gusty winds, and you have a dose of Florida chilliness.

"(Monday) morning when people wake up, they're going to know that the front moved through, because it's going to be probably temperatures in the 50s," Sobien said. "It's probably not going to be too warm when they go outside to pick up their newspaper."

The rest of the week looks like this for Pinellas and Hillsborough counties: sunny and brisk on Tuesday, with highs in the lower 60s. On Wednesday, temperatures could get as low as the mid 30s and as high as the upper 60s, but expect clear skies.

Temperatures could reach the lower 70s Thursday and Friday, but could take a dip by the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

The weather will be slightly cooler in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties this week, the National Weather Service predicts. Temperatures should hover in the 60s today, with a 30 percent chance of rain, especially in the morning. Tonight's low should be in the 40s.

For Tuesday, expect brisk weather with a high around 60. Temperatures could dip as low as 30 on the North Suncoast, and thermometers are not expected to hit 70 again until Friday.

In other words, you might want to rethink serving Thanksgiving dinner outdoors.

"You could still do it," Sobien said, "but wear a coat."

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright