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Forecast: Break out your sweaters! Fall chill finally coming to Tampa Bay this weekend

 
Published Oct. 21, 2016

Folks waiting patiently for a true sign that fall has arrived in Tampa Bay can finally break out their sweaters for the first time starting Saturday morning.

At least for a few days.

10Weather WTSP

10Weather WTSP

10News WTSP

Feels-like temperatures around the Tampa Bay area

10News WTSP

Feels-like temperatures around the Tampa Bay area

A decent dose of cool weather will sweep into the region overnight Friday, causing temperatures to drop as low as the low 50s in some areas, forecasters said.

But while the stifling summer heat seems to have finally ceased, warmer temperatures and higher humidity will slowly return by midweek, National Weather Service meteorologist Rodney Wynn said.

"This front is just bringing in the coolest air we've seen this season. It won't be the last time we see humidity; it will return," Wynn said. "I would say our 90-degree days are done, but we will see more humidity and 80-degree weather" as fall approaches.

Still, the crisp conditions are expected to stick around for a few days, 10Weather WTSP meteorologist Ashley Batey said.

The cold front is steadily working its way to the Sunshine State, Batey said, moving through the Panhandle on Friday afternoon before it sweeps into the region about 7 p.m. for northern spots and sometime between 9 and 11 p.m. for the immediate Tampa Bay area.

Humidity levels will dive, Batey said, giving Tampa Bay that crisp, cool fall feeling with weekend highs in the upper 70s and lows in the low to mid 50s.

"During this time of year, we start to see cool and cold fronts every five to seven days," Wynn said. "We are in transition season right now, and as the season progresses, the jet stream will dip further south and that allows the cooler air to filter down here. It just takes a little bit of time."

Northwesterly winds of up to 15 mph will pick up later Friday afternoon, Batey said, contributing to the drop in humidity.

While still warm, the wind will keep Friday from being as toasty as it has been the past couple of days, Batey said, with highs hovering around the mid 80s.

"There is also a little chance of rain as this moves through as a mostly dry front," Batey said. "We may have a few sprinkles or isolated showers around 9 or so, but we're not going to see any big changes with rain."