Fall Forecast 2016: Tampa Should Be Warmer, With One Eye on the Atlantic

TAMPA, FL — A national trend of warmer temperatures is going to be especially true in Tampa and across most of Florida this fall, according to the latest seasonal forecasts. The National Weather Service notes temperatures across the country will be above average for the 3-month period through November — particularly in Florida and the Gulf Coast.

If you've trudged through the mud for fall festivals or street fairs, you'll be happy to know the season's rainfall will be on average for falls in the region, according to forecasters.

The East Coast has been hit hard by unusual temperature spikes this September, according to the Weather Channel. The season has kicked off with temperatures well-above average for Florida, forecasters note.

October will find temperatures slightly above average and November will be near normal, according to the updated fall forecast from The Weather Company chief meteorologist Todd Crawford.

It's likely good news for residents and tourists looking to get outside for fall events in the region.

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The extended forecast for Tampa calls for temperatures in the high 80s for weeks into October, according to AccuWeather. The region will cool off slightly near the end of the month before above-average temperatures strike again during the first week of November.

Leaf peepers may be shortchanged by the forecast, according to AccuWeather's 2016 fall forecast.

"Fall foliage looks like it may be hurting just a bit because of the current dry conditions going on and then what we expect in September and October...," AccuWeather long-range Forecaster Paul Pastelok said. "Those leaves, they may not be as vibrant and they may not stay on the trees very long."

Of course, we'll still have to keep one eye on the Atlantic for several weeks. A tropical disturbance near the Bahamas this week may bring heavy rain to Tampa.

It was an uneventful start for the season until Hurricane Hermine rolled through. The National Hurricane Center still predicts the strongest season since 2012.

Forecasters expect up to 17 named storms, with at least 5 hurricanes and up to 4 major hurricanes.

• Hurricane Season 2016: Where To Find Local Information
• 2016 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast Released
• Hurricane Season: How to Prepare
• 2016 Hurricane Names: Is Yours On the List?
• Tampa Bay 'Ripe for Disaster,' Hurricane Experts Say

Includes reporting by Deb Belt, photo by Beth Dalby