Tampa rolls into Saturday, May 2, with clear but sticky skies, temperatures near 75°F, and a south-southwest breeze already working across the bay. The National Weather Service has a Rip Current Statement posted for Gulf beaches starting at 10 AM EDT and running into late tonight, while isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are on deck for this afternoon and again overnight.
Afternoon Storms
The heat peaks this afternoon with highs near 88°F, and the humidity will keep things feeling like the mid-80s even once clouds and storms start to build. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are most likely between about 3 PM and 5 PM, then become more scattered later in the afternoon. Where storms do pop, most spots will see about a quarter to a half inch of rain. South-southwest winds strengthen, with gusts up to around 23 mph that can bring quick downpours and lightning, cutting visibility and slowing commutes.
Tonight Into Sunday
Saturday night into early Sunday brings on-and-off showers and storms, with about a 70% chance of rain tonight and the heaviest pockets most likely between about 2 AM and 4 AM. Lows settle near 63°F, and some neighborhoods may pick up a half to three quarters of an inch of rain by daybreak. Sunday cools things a bit with a high near 83°F and only isolated storm chances, mainly before the afternoon.
Beach And Boating Safety
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay is flagging dangerous rip currents from 10 AM EDT through late tonight for Pinellas, coastal Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. Beachgoers should stick close to lifeguard stands and remember the basics: if caught in a rip, float, stay calm, and call or wave for help. Out on the water, boaters face gusty southwest winds and choppy seas, with a Small Craft Advisory in effect from 10 AM today through noon EDT Sunday for much of the northern and central Gulf waters, making small-boat trips hazardous. This updates our April 30 forecast with the latest advisory and timing.
What To Do
If you have outdoor plans, front-load them earlier in the day or move them indoors, and give yourself extra time on the roads in case you end up driving through a quick-hitting downpour or nearby lightning. At the beach, check the flags before you head into the surf, avoid swimming alone, and keep an eye on updated local forecasts and advisories through this evening.
