CLEARWATER, Fla. — As spring nears ever so closer to summer, Tampa Bay is starting to feel the heat.
It's not just the warm and sticky humid air that's getting hotter, though, it's also the water at our local beaches.
Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently recorded the water temperatures in and around Tampa Bay from 75 degrees off under the St. Pete Pier, to more than 81 degrees across the bridge at Picnic Island Park.
At Clearwater Beach, the temperature hit nearly 78 degrees on Thursday, April 18, about 6 degrees warmer from just four days before when the water was around 72 degrees. That's slightly above average for April when the water is typically roughly 75 degrees, according to NOAA.
While it may not be a big jump from what Clearwater Beach usually sees this time of year, it's worth noting that water temperatures for places like St. Pete and Picnic Island are also above average.
NOAA says the range most "comfortable" for swimmers is between 70 and 78 degrees. According to water temperature averages, that means the best months to take a dip at Tampa Bay's beaches are March, April and November. During that gap of time between April and November, water temperatures are in the 80s, leaving many people with the feeling that they're swimming in "bathtub water."
These temperatures should stay consistent through the upcoming weekend. Air temperature highs will be in the upper 80s, so you'll have a good chance at a refreshing dunk in the ocean if you have beach plans.
