Today is serving up classic Tampa weather: a warm, sticky start near 66°F with a dew point around 63°F, followed by a quick jump into full-on heat. Expect plenty of sun and a hot afternoon high near 88°F, with light east winds. The catch comes later in the day, when scattered showers and thunderstorms may bubble up, mainly over inland neighborhoods. If your plans stretch past about 2 p.m., an umbrella is not a bad idea.
Afternoon Storms To Watch
According to NWS Tampa Bay, a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms is on the table between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., with a broader shot at storms through the late afternoon and early evening. Where storms do form, they could quickly drop a quarter to a half inch of rain, along with brief gusty winds and lightning. East winds around 6 to 9 mph will keep the air feeling muggy, and temperatures will only slide into the mid 80s by dusk.
How This Affects Plans
Even a short-lived downpour can cut visibility and put outdoor plans on pause, so yard work is safer in the morning and early-afternoon events have the best odds of staying dry. Small boats should do fine through midday, but any isolated evening storms can rough up the water and kick up quick gusts. Despite the pop-up showers, the region is still in drought, and tighter watering rules start April 3. Check Hillsborough County for details on the once-a-week irrigation schedule.
Looking Ahead
Drier air filters in Friday through Sunday, with highs in the mid to upper 80s and only low chances for storms. Early next week, a frontal boundary moves closer and pushes rain chances higher Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday looks like the coolest day, with highs in the upper 70s and the best chance of showers, so bigger outdoor gatherings will fare better over the weekend. No watches or warnings are in effect right now, but it is worth checking radar if a thunderstorm pops up nearby.
Bottom Line
Hot and humid afternoons will be the norm this week, so pack sunscreen and an umbrella for late-day plans, and be ready to follow the new watering limits that kick in April 3. For more background, see our sticky Tampa heat rundown and the National Weather Service for real-time radar.
