Tampa is starting off Saturday, June 13, on the sticky side, with clear but muggy conditions and temperatures around 77°F (24.8°C) and very high humidity. Skies stay mostly sunny for much of the day, and the high should reach near 92°F. Factor in the humidity and the heat index could climb to about 102°F this afternoon. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms creeps in after 2 p.m., mainly for inland neighborhoods, while the immediate west coast stays relatively drier under a light westerly breeze.
Afternoon Storms And Heat
Scattered storms are most likely to bubble up during the classic sea-breeze and warm-afternoon window, with roughly a 20 to 24 percent chance of precipitation and generally light rain totals, under a tenth of an inch where storms actually form. Any thunderstorm that does get going could bring brief heavy downpours and frequent lightning, even though many coastal spots may see clearing before the heavier cells roll through. Forecasters at the National Weather Service Tampa Bay have the latest short-range radar and updates.
Evening And This Week
Tonight stays mostly cloudy with lows near 78°F and that familiar muggy feel hanging around. The heat index may still be in the upper 90s early this evening, so it will not cool off quickly. A persistent westerly flow through early next week keeps the higher afternoon storm chances focused inland each day, while west-coast neighborhoods trend relatively drier. By Thursday, highs could push into the mid-90s, and coastal rain coverage may tick up as the subtropical ridge shifts. For tips on handling the heat, see the City of Tampa for heat-safety resources.
How To Plan
It is a good day to keep water nearby, limit strenuous outdoor work between about 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., and have a backup indoor plan if storms try to crash your afternoon. If you hear thunder, get inside, since lightning can strike well away from the heaviest rain. There are no watches or warnings in effect this morning, but it is worth checking short-range updates before heading out and keeping an umbrella handy for the ride home.
