The forecast by NWS Tampa predicts a series of showers and thunderstorms rolling through the Tampa area, challenging the typical sunny disposition associated with Florida's west coast. Beginning today, residents can expect "Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 3pm," with temperatures soaring to a high near 92 degrees. The heat index could make it feel as hot as 100 degrees, ensuring a sweltering day ahead.
While tonight the city will mostly rest under cloudy veils, there will be a 60% likelihood that showers and thunderstorms will visit, mainly before midnight. Expected rainfall amounts range between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, though thunderstorms may bring higher totals. In a swirling dance, calm winds might make an occasional pivot to a light variable. Throughout the next several days, similar patterns of precipitation are anticipated, with varying chances of showers and thunderstorms, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.
As the weekend unfolds, "A chance of showers and thunderstorms before noon, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between noon and 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 2pm," says the NWS. The start of the workweek doesn't bring much respite, as Monday and Tuesday present a 60-70% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Throughout these days, temperature highs will flirt with the low 90s, while nighttime lows will provide slight relief, hovering around the mid-70s.
Residents looking ahead to the midweek forecast should anticipate "scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm" on Wednesday. With the sun making a regular appearance, the heat index is expected to climb, possibly reaching a steep 103 degrees by Sunday afternoon. Light winds will again embrace the coast, mostly remaining calm but occasionally reaching up to 6 mph. The week leads up to a hotter threshold on Thursday and Friday, where highs may tiptoe towards a scorching 95 degrees under the deceptive guise of sunny skies.
