Tampa is waking up to a warm, swampy start, with cloudy skies, temperatures hovering near 70°F and dew points high enough to make the air feel sticky. Skies will turn mostly sunny as the day goes on, with temperatures expected to top out near 86°F, and only a slight chance of a late-day shower. Overnight lows will linger in the upper 60s, and some patchy fog could sneak into low-lying spots before sunrise on Saturday.
Afternoon Shower Chance
Most of the day looks dry and bright, but a small window opens for spotty rain after about 5 p.m. Any showers that develop should be brief and isolated, with forecasters holding rain chances around 20% and keeping expected rainfall totals under a tenth of an inch where showers do pop up. East-southeast winds will stay on the light side around 6 to 8 mph, and a coastal sea breeze this evening could help spark a few showers near the waterfront, according to the National Weather Service.
Warm Stretch And Record Highs Possible
If you like it hot, you are in luck. The warm pattern is locked in, with daytime highs running in the mid to upper 80s through early next week and some inland neighborhoods briefly flirting with 90°F. Muggy nighttime lows will hold in the mid-60s. Temperatures are expected to run about 8 to 10°F above normal, and a few record highs could be challenged over the next several days, according to the National Weather Service. Factor in the humidity and afternoons will feel even hotter than the numbers on the thermometer.
Boaters And Commuters
Boaters should see generally cooperative conditions, with easterly winds under 15 knots and seas around 2 feet, although any late-day storm can kick up choppy water with limited warning. On the roads, those brief downpours can quickly knock down visibility and slow the drive, so planning outdoor events for the morning will give you the lowest rain risk. If evening plans are on the agenda, a lightweight rain jacket is a smart accessory, and anything loose at the beach or on the boat should be tied down before those isolated showers try to crash the party.
