Wednesday is starting out calm in Tampa, with clear skies and temperatures sitting in the mid-60s. By afternoon, expect it to feel more like summer, with mostly sunny skies, highs near 87°F, and a light east breeze around 5–8 mph.
Thursday Afternoon Storm Risk
Things get stickier tomorrow, as humidity climbs and the atmosphere turns a bit feistier. Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2 p.m., especially over inland neighborhoods, with forecasters putting rain chances around 50 percent. Any storm that pops up could deliver brief heavy downpours and a few tenths of an inch of rain.
According to the National Weather Service, the best odds for storms arrive Thursday afternoon and then again early next week as a front stalls across north-central Florida.
Hot, Dry Pattern Through The Weekend
Highs are expected to stay in the mid-to-upper 80s through Saturday, with a ridge of high pressure keeping conditions warmer than normal. Despite the storm chances, the region remains stuck in moderate to extreme drought, so even a few tenths of an inch of rain will offer only brief relief for the dry landscape.
How To Plan Ahead
If you are planning outdoor time, mornings and early afternoons are your best bet for the sunniest and relatively coolest hours, along with plenty of water and sunscreen. If you will be inland tomorrow, it is worth packing a quick cover or poncho in case one of those pop-up storms muscles in and cuts plans short.
For more context on the recent warming trend, check out our March 24 report on how temps soar and storm chances pop.
