Tampa is waking up under partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid‑70s, headed for a hot, mostly sunny afternoon that will top out near 94°F and feel closer to 97°F. The most intense heat will hit from mid‑afternoon into the early evening, so that late‑day run might feel more like a slow roast.
The Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County has issued an Air Pollution Advisory for Friday, warning that people in sensitive groups could experience health effects and should limit long stretches of outdoor activity, according to the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County. The alert comes on the heels of elevated ground‑level ozone readings around Hillsborough County.
Afternoon Heat And Sunday Storm Threat
Under mostly sunny skies today, temperatures will climb to around 94°F, with heat index values in the upper 90s. The better shot at relief arrives Sunday afternoon, when showers and thunderstorms become likely. Some storms could drop a quarter to a half inch of rain, with heavier downpours in the strongest cells.
The typical sea‑breeze collision is expected to fire up storms inland near the I‑75 corridor, where sudden downpours and lightning could briefly snarl drives and outdoor plans, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin.
How To Play It Safe Today
If you or someone you care for has asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory issues, the guidance is straightforward: stick to air‑conditioned spaces and avoid long or intense outdoor exercise during the hottest part of the day. Try to move strenuous activity to early morning or later evening when temperatures are lower.
The agency also urges residents to limit heavy outdoor exertion on high‑ozone days and to move activities indoors when possible, per the Environmental Protection Commission.
Hoodline covered a similar ozone advisory back in April; see our April ozone alert recap for background on local air‑quality concerns and past advisories. This latest alert lands just as afternoon highs once again push into the 90s around the region.
Looking ahead, expect highs in the low‑to‑mid 90s through Friday, with daily chances for afternoon storms, especially inland, and overnight lows holding in the mid‑70s. For timing details and updates, check the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.
