Residents and visitors in the Tampa area should brace for a significant change in weather today. The forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms up until around 1 p.m., promptly followed by a brief possibility of showers between 1 and 2 p.m. Temperatures are expected to peak near 74 degrees by midmorning before taking a dip to the lower 60s as the day progresses. A change in wind direction will accompany the temperature drop, starting from the south at speeds of 10 to 15 mph and shifting to the northwest in the afternoon, with possible gusts reaching 24 mph, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The chance of precipitation remains high at 80%, with rainfall estimates ranging between a quarter and a half an inch. Tonight, the skies will mostly clear up, offering some respite with a low temperature settling around 43 degrees. Carrying into the night, a north wind will persist, maintaining speeds around 10 mph and gusts that could climb as high as 20 mph. Residents looking forward to clearer skies will find solace in tomorrow's sunny outlook, with a high near 63, despite the wind chill perhaps feeling as low as 38 degrees early in the day.
As the week progresses, the NWS indicates further improvements in weather conditions. Friday's forecast promises sun with a high of around 74 degrees and slightly lighter east northeast winds. The night time will remain mostly clear with lows around 59 degrees. Continuing the trend, the weekend is set to bring mostly sunny days with highs pushing near 78 degrees and partly cloudy evenings with lows staying in the low 60s.
In the wake of these turbulent weather patterns, the National Weather Service has also issued a high rip current risk warning, effective from 7 a.m. EST this morning through tomorrow evening for multiple counties, including Pinellas and Coastal Hillsborough. "Dangerous rip currents expected," NWS cautions, noting the potential for currents powerful enough to "sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water." Beachgoers are advised to swim near lifeguards and if caught in a rip current, to "relax and float," and not swim against the current, instead following the shoreline or signaling for help if unable to escape.
