Many cities in central Florida could break record highs this week as temperatures climb above 90 degrees for the first time this year. 

What You Need To Know

  • Lakeland to reach 90 degrees for the first time since Oct. 29

  • Lakeland's average first 90-degree day happens on April 17

  • Tampa's average first 90-degree day happens on May 8

  • The sea breeze and bay breeze keeps temperatures cooler on the coast

While Floridians are well accustomed to the heat, it's been a while since we've seen temperatures in the 90s. Most of the cities surrounding Tampa Bay haven't recorded a 90-degree temperature since last October, nearly 150 days ago. 

That looks to change very soon for cities away from the coast where temperatures could be in the 90s for several days in a row. The timing of the heat is well ahead of schedule and records are at risk this week. 

Temperatures in the 90s don't usually occur until April and May with coastal areas being the last to reach 90 degrees, on average. 

The reason why temperatures take longer to reach 90 degrees along the coast is due to the sea breeze and bay breeze. The cooler air coming off the water keeps the beaches and our coastal cities cooler compared to those well inland and away from the coast. 

If Lakeland reaches 90 degrees this week, it would be weeks ahead of schedule. On average, Lakeland doesn't record its first 90-degree day until April 17 whereas Tampa doesn't record its first 90-degree day for several weeks beyond that.

Again, the sea breeze is why Tampa is usually a few weeks behind Lakeland when it comes to reaching 90 degrees. 

Having said that, if anyone reaches 90 degrees this week, it certainly would not be the earliest on record either. Since 1890, when records began in Tampa, the earliest the city observed its first 90-degree day was on March 16, 1945. The earliest 90-degree day on record for Lakeland was on February 20, 1988.

Something that may surprise some of you is the latest date Tampa reached 90 degrees for the first time: June 21, 1923. Imagine having a year where it doesn't reach 90 degrees until late June? Below are the records for the latest date a 90-degree temperature was reached for the first time:

Here we are in late March with the first 90-degree days on our doorstep. It's been a while since we've seen this kind of heat so it's a good reminder to never leave your children or pets in the car, even for a few minutes. 

This time of year the inside of your vehicle can heat up very quickly. In just 10 minutes, your car can heat up to nearly 110 degrees in this kind of weather. According to NoHeatStroke.Org, 882 children have died in hot cars since 1998. 

These hot days will become more common in the coming weeks as Florida's hot, humid climate takes over. Our average high temperature is in the upper 70s this time of year for Tampa. Our average high temperature will continue to climb for a few months until it plateaus around late June with an average high temperature of 90 degrees. 

After all the sad talk with child deaths in hot cars and boring temperature talk, let's leave you with the happy thought that beach season and pool season are now officially here!

Let the sun do its magic and warm up the pool water. It won't take long until your pool is warm enough for a swim.