Tampa is starting Monday, April 8, on a calm note with mostly clear skies and temperatures in the mid-60s, but the quiet vibe will not last all day. Forecasters are calling for a chance of rain showers between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a better shot at showers and scattered thunderstorms from about 2 to 5 p.m. Highs should top out near 78°F before sliding back into the mid-70s, and northeast winds around 12 to 15 mph, with gusts near 25 to 28 mph, could turn the evening commute into a breezy ride.
Afternoon Showers And Timing
Scattered afternoon storms are expected to stay on the lighter side, with most spots seeing less than a tenth of an inch of rain. That said, a few stronger cells could briefly dump heavier rain and cut visibility on the roads. The official chance of precipitation this afternoon sits at about 50 percent, with those gusty northeast winds hanging on into tonight. For updated timing, radar trends, and any advisories, check NWS Tampa Bay.
Marine And Boating Impacts
A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect through 8 a.m. Friday for Tampa Bay and nearby Gulf waters, and occasional gusts near gale strength are possible on the open Gulf. Small-boat operators are urged to tuck into sheltered harbors and avoid long, exposed crossings until conditions settle down, and some marinas may be limiting launches while the advisory is posted. For more context on how this windy stretch set up, see our April 6 forecast Sun Bows Out.
Weekend Outlook
Winds and seas should gradually back off on Friday as a surface ridge builds in, bringing a drier, sunnier pattern with highs in the low to mid-80s, then warming into the upper 80s by Sunday and Monday. Even with this week’s showers, moderate to extreme drought conditions are still hanging on across parts of west-central Florida, so this quick round of rain will not fix the longer-term deficit. Residents are reminded to keep following local watering restrictions, according to NWS Tampa Bay.
