Frigid Arctic Air Brings Chance of Light Snow to Tampa

Gusty winds and plunging temperatures could lead to Gulf-effect snowfall in the Tampa Bay area on Saturday night.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:23pm

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Florida is bracing for an influx of extremely cold Arctic air and gusty winds this weekend, which could bring the potential for light snow to the Tampa area on Saturday night. Meteorologists warn that as the frigid air sweeps across the state, some light rainfall developing in the Gulf of Mexico could mix with snow as temperatures tumble.

Why it matters

While snow is an uncommon occurrence in the Tampa Bay region, the combination of Arctic air, gusty winds, and Gulf moisture could create the right conditions for a rare wintry mix. This weather event could disrupt normal activities and pose challenges for residents and local officials not accustomed to dealing with winter weather.

The details

According to WPBF 25 First Warning meteorologist Glenn Glazer, the cold Arctic air and strong winds moving across Florida on Saturday night could lead to the development of some light rainfall in the Gulf of Mexico. As this moisture moves onshore and encounters the plunging temperatures, the rain could potentially mix with and turn to light snow, especially in the Tampa area. However, the National Weather Service notes that the likelihood of lake-effect snow around Lake Okeechobee is low, as the wind direction is a critical factor in determining which areas will see snowfall.

  • The cold Arctic air and gusty winds are expected to sweep across Florida on Saturday night.

The players

Glenn Glazer

A WPBF 25 First Warning meteorologist who provided forecasts and analysis for the potential wintry weather in Florida.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that monitors and provides forecasts for weather conditions, including the likelihood of lake-effect snow in certain areas.

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What they’re saying

“As extremely cold arctic air and gusty winds sweep across Florida on Saturday night, some light rainfall could develop in the Gulf and move onshore.”

— Glenn Glazer, WPBF 25 First Warning meteorologist (WPBF)

The takeaway

This rare winter weather event in the Tampa Bay area highlights the potential for disruptions and challenges that can arise when atypical meteorological conditions occur, even in typically warm-weather regions. Local officials and residents may need to prepare for the possibility of snow and icy conditions, which could impact transportation, power, and other daily activities.