Tampa's Friday, July 31, starts clear but won't stay that way: showers and thunderstorms are expected to build through the morning, with a high near 86 and a heat index near 97. The forecast calls for a 70% chance of rain, with a quarter to half-inch possible in the area.
Storms Build Through The Morning
Early conditions at Tampa International Airport were clear, warm and humid, with temperatures near 82 degrees and humidity close to 89%. The National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin expects scattered storms before 8 a.m., more chances from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and additional scattered activity later Friday.
West-southwest winds will run 5 to 10 mph as the day heats up. Brief heavy downpours and dangerous lightning are possible, while repeated rain could create localized flooding in spots that receive several rounds of storms.
Beachgoers Face Rip Current Danger
A high risk of dangerous rip currents remains in effect through Saturday evening for Pinellas and coastal Hillsborough counties, along with several other Gulf Coast counties. Swimmers should stay near a lifeguard, and anyone caught in a rip current should float, avoid swimming directly against it and move parallel to shore if possible.
Friday night's low will be around 80, with mostly cloudy skies and a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Saturday brings a hotter high near 89 and another 70% rain chance, followed by a low around 77 Saturday night.
Sunday Looks Like The Wettest Day
Sunday is shaping up as the soggiest day of the weekend, with widespread showers and thunderstorms, a high near 87 and an 80% chance of rain. The weather service says the heaviest rainfall threat is along the coast and from the Sarasota-Bradenton area northward, though downpours could also affect the Tampa area.
Storm chances ease somewhat Monday and Tuesday, but temperatures climb to around 90 and 91 degrees. Wednesday and Thursday could reach 93, with afternoon and evening storms still in the mix, keeping Tampa in a familiar midsummer pattern of heat, humidity and skies that can change their minds quickly.
