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Gloomy Skies, Choppy Seas as Tampa Bay Braces for Blustery Thursday

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Published on April 09, 2026
Gloomy Skies, Choppy Seas as Tampa Bay Braces for Blustery ThursdaySource: Google Street View

Tampa is waking up to a cloudy, muggy start this Thursday morning, April 9, 2026, sitting at 66°F with humidity near 90% and a northeast breeze already in play. Expect temperatures to climb to a high near 80°F later today as a slight chance of morning showers builds into scattered showers and thunderstorms by the early to midafternoon.

Afternoon Storms and Timing

Showers are most likely between about noon and 5 p.m. Thursday, April 9, with the best window for thunderstorms in the early to midafternoon. The National Weather Service pegs the overall chance of measurable rain today near 30–40% and notes that new rainfall amounts should generally stay under a tenth of an inch, although brief heavy downpours and lightning are still on the table.

Boaters Should Use Caution

A Small Craft Advisory from the National Weather Service covers Tampa Bay and nearby Gulf waters through 8 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, with choppy seas and gusty northeast winds into the mid 20s. Small vessels should think seriously about staying in port or taking shelter, secure any loose gear, and be ready for short bursts of stronger gusts that can make moving around on deck a handful.

Weekend Outlook

High pressure builds in Friday, bringing drier skies and warmer temperatures, with highs near 83°F on April 10 and climbing into the mid to upper 80s by early next week. For background on the warm trend that is developing, see our April 6 forecast.

Plan around soggy afternoon outdoor activities and give yourself extra time on the roads this evening. Keep boats tied down, umbrellas handy, and an eye on updates; any watches or warnings issued for the area will be passed along.

Tampa-Weather & Environment