Tampa Could See First Snow in 16 Years

Rare winter storm brings chance of flurries to Florida's Gulf Coast this weekend.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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The National Weather Service forecasts a 10-20% chance of snow flurries in Tampa, Florida, overnight Saturday into Sunday morning as a winter storm moves through the Southeast. This would be the first measurable snowfall in the city since 2010. Other parts of Florida, including Jacksonville, also have a chance of seeing some snow this weekend as temperatures plummet across the state.

Why it matters

Snowfall in Florida is an extremely rare occurrence, with the last measurable snow in Tampa being over a decade ago. This weekend's potential flurries highlight the powerful winter storm system impacting the Southeast and the unpredictable nature of Florida's winter weather.

The details

According to NWS meteorologist Tony Hurt, the chance of snow flurries in Tampa is confined to areas near the coast as moisture moves in from the Gulf of Mexico. The flurries, if they occur, would be overnight Saturday into early Sunday morning. Extremely cold temperatures are also expected across Florida, with wind chills potentially reaching the single digits in northern parts of the state and freezing temperatures as far south as Miami.

  • The last time Tampa saw snow was on January 9, 2010.
  • There is a 10-20% chance of snow flurries overnight Saturday into early Sunday morning.

The players

National Weather Service (NWS)

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

Tony Hurt

An NWS meteorologist who provided details on the potential for snow in Tampa this weekend.

Jeff Berardelli

The chief meteorologist at WFLA-TV who highlighted the possibility of snow in Tampa on social media.

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What they’re saying

“Holy cow This has to be a first!! I was checking on the impacts of the SE Coast Blizzard, and noticed that #Tampa Bay has been highlighted in NOAA's Winter Storm Severity Index for a 'small' chance of #snow impacts. So, yes, I'm saying there's a chance.”

— Jeff Berardelli, Chief Meteorologist (X)

What’s next

The NWS will continue to monitor the winter storm system and provide updates on the potential for snow in Florida as the weekend approaches.

The takeaway

While snow in Florida is highly unusual, this weekend's winter storm serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the state's winter weather and the need for residents to be prepared for the possibility of rare cold weather events.