By 5:35 a.m. today, Tampa was already feeling tropical, with clear skies, a temperature near 77°F, and dew points in the low 70s making it downright sticky. The city is expected to climb into the low 90s this afternoon, and the humidity will push the heat index into the upper 90s to around 100°F in the hottest spots. If you have outdoor plans, keep an eye on the sky, because storms are likely to bubble up later in the day.
Afternoon Storms And Humid Heat
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop after about 3 p.m., with a high near 93°F and heat-index values reaching up to 100°F. Inland neighborhoods east of the bay have the best odds for stronger cells, while coastal spots may see the sea breeze hold storms off a bit before brief heavy downpours move through. Look for south-southeast winds around 7 to 13 mph, with higher gusts near any thunderstorm, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.
Tonight And The Week Ahead
Showers and thunderstorms are likely tonight, especially from early evening through late evening, with pockets of heavier rain dropping about a quarter to a half inch in some neighborhoods and lows near 75°F. Later this week, the pattern turns persistently wetter, with afternoon and nighttime storms becoming more frequent from Thursday through the weekend. Temperatures should ease back a few degrees as clouds and rain increase, but the muggy nights are not going anywhere.
Commute And Outdoor Plans
If you are heading out this afternoon or evening, plan on a little extra travel time. Brief downpours and gusty winds can quickly cut visibility on bridges and slow traffic to a crawl. Outdoor events will be easiest to manage this morning or later at night once storms wind down, and organizers should have a clear lightning and shelter plan ready. Stay hydrated, and try to keep pets, seniors, and outdoor workers out of prolonged direct sun during the peak heat index hours.
Quick Take
The setup is classic late-May Tampa: daytime heat and sticky humidity fueling late-day storms, followed by a shift into a wetter, stormier stretch later in the week. For background on the broader run of warm, stormy days we have been seeing this month, check out our steamy soaker outlook. We will post updates if any watches or warnings are issued.
