Residents of Tampa are set to contend with a spate of unpredictable weather, as the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a mixture of sunshine and scattered thunderstorms over the coming days. Today, the city will see a blend of sun and clouds, with high temperatures touching around 91 degrees, but the heat index could make it feel more like a sweltering 103 degrees. Those going outdoors should be prepared for a 50% chance of rain, with possible thunderstorm downpours hitting certain areas. "Scattered showers and thunderstorms," alerts the NWS, signaling a day where umbrellas and sunglasses may both be prudent accessories.
According to the NWS' detailed forecast, tonight Tampa dwellers should only expect a 10% chance of precipitation with isolated showers and thunderstorms brewing potentially after 5 am. Partly cloudy skies will hover as temperatures dip to a low near 79 degrees, while light winds transition from a west southwest direction to calmness. Moving into Friday, the chance of showers and thunderstorms climbs to 60%, with forecasts predicting mostly sunny skies and high temperatures near 93 degrees, intensifying the heat index values to rival those of today's.
The NWS advisory extends through the weekend, highlighting a similar pattern. Saturday's forecast continues the trend with scattered thunderstorms anticipated between 8 am and 2 pm, followed by a higher likelihood of showers and thunderstorms after 2 pm. Despite the intermittent rain, the sun isn't taking a break, as skies are expected to remain mostly sunny with highs nearing 94 degrees.
Furthermore, the NWS predicts Sunday and Monday to closely mimic Saturday's conditions, with calm winds in the mornings turning to light breezes by the afternoon. As evening sets in, Tampa residents can look forward to a reduction in storm activity with only a 60% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms before nightfall. With nighttime lows hovering around the upper 70s, the balmy evenings might provide a slight reprieve for the city's denizens after the day's heat and humidity.
