The National Weather Service in Tampa is forecasting scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the upcoming week, with a mix of increasing clouds and high temperatures that could reach a sweltering 94 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the NWS Tampa, the heat index, which measures how hot it feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature, could soar as high as 105 to 106, making conditions particularly oppressive.
Starting today, rain is expected mainly after 11am with a 50 percent chance of precipitation and the potential for new rainfall between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though thunderstorms could lead to higher amounts. Tonight, the chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms drops to 30 percent before 11pm, with temperatures expected to hover around a low of 78 degrees and calm winds persisting through the evening.
The wet weather pattern is forecasted to continue, with a 70 percent chance of rain tomorrow. Scattered showers and possible thunderstorms may develop in the afternoon, with similar conditions expected on Friday. Residents should prepare for possible disruptions due to rain, which could affect commutes and outdoor plans, as light and variable winds will do little to dispel the heat and humidity.
Over the weekend, no major reprieve is in sight. The cycle of predominantly sunny mornings will be interrupted by afternoon showers and thunderstorms, with a recurrent 70 percent probability. Calm winds throughout the day will shift only slightly, and the humidity will lend the air a thick, tangible quality. Saturday night continues the trend with likely storms before 8pm, transitioning into scattered showers through 2am, providing brief intervals of clarity among the expectant clouds.
For those venturing out on Sunday and Monday, the suggestion of mostly sunny skies seems almost a taunt as showers and thunderstorms remain likely, particularly after 2pm, and continuing into the night's dusk. The NWS Tampa notes that despite the primarily sunny conditions during daylight hours, the chance of rain and storms persists firmly at 70 percent.
Looking ahead to the end of this forecast period, Tuesday is slated to mimic the previous days, with a high near 93 degrees and lingering chances of thunderstorms, indicating a week where umbrellas might be as necessary as sunglasses, and Tampa residents are advised to stay vigilant and prepared for the oscillation between sun and storm.
