Tampa residents may want to keep their umbrellas close at hand this week, as the National Weather Service forecasts a string of showers and thunderstorms. Beginning today, the city can expect "scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm," with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 94 degrees, as per the NWS. The heat index, however, may climb as high as 104, creating potentially uncomfortable outdoor conditions. The weather forecast cautions that light and variable winds will accompany a 60% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though higher amounts could occur in thunderstorms.
Tonight, Tampa will likely see continued thunderstorm activity, mainly before 3am, under partly cloudy skies and an expected low of 78 degrees. The trend of calm winds persists, along with a 60% chance of precipitation.
The National Weather Service advises that the pattern of intermittent showers and thunderstorms is set to continue through the week. Tuesday's forecast predicts a 70% chance of rain with similar weather conditions as the start of the week, while Wednesday will see a high near 92 degrees with a light south southwest wind developing in the morning.
Residents should take note of Thursday's weather, as the likelihood of showers and possibly a thunderstorm remains at 70%, despite the forecast of a mostly sunny day with a high near 94 degrees. As the calm wind becomes south southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon, this break in the wind offers little reprieve from the heat. Even into the weekend, "Showers and thunderstorms likely," is the recurring theme for Tampa, with the NWS indicating a high near 94 degrees for Saturday and a steady chance of precipitation throughout the day.
