The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay has issued a heat advisory for large swaths of west central Florida as temperatures are set to soar today, along with high humidity which will make it feel like it's up to 109 degrees. Residents of areas including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Bradenton should take note: the advisory is in effect from 11 AM until 7 PM EDT.
According to the NWS Tampa FL forecast, there's also a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 pm today, though the sun will still blaze with a high near 94. It's the kind of day when even staying in the shade won't save you from the heat that can cause serious illnesses.
Tonight might bring some reprieve with a lower, yet still warm, temperature around 80 and a 30 percent chance of rain before 9 pm. Not only is the heat oppressive, but starting south-southwest and shifting north-northwest, the wind promises little in terms of cooling gusts, remaining calm or near calm throughout the periods of greatest heat.
The weekend doesn't seem to provide much of a break either, with a similar pattern of heat and thunderstorms expected. High temperatures will continue flirting with the mid-90s, humidity hanging obstinately high, making outdoor activities a potentially hazardous affair. The NWS advises to "drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors."
This ongoing bout of intense heat serves as a reminder of the importance of heat safety protocols during the summer months. With continued high probabilities for thunderstorms as well, which could lead to sudden downpours, residents should stay informed on the changing weather conditions as the weekend progresses.
