Tampa will feel like a steam room on Wednesday, July 15, as afternoon temperatures climb into the mid 90s and thick humidity pushes the "feels like" reading into the low 100s. Mostly sunny skies and light southwest breezes are expected through the day, but the pattern starts to shift late in the week with higher storm chances by Friday. If you need to run errands outside, morning is your best bet, and keep water handy for kids, pets and older neighbors.
Afternoon Heat And Humidity
Highs should hit about 95°F on Wednesday, with heat index readings up to roughly 104°F across inland neighborhoods, making any sustained outdoor exertion uncomfortable at best. Light southwest winds of 1-9 mph will keep immediate bayside spots a bit cooler. These readings line up with the forecast and discussion for the Tampa Bay area from the National Weather Service Tampa Bay.
Rain And Storm Timing
Rain chances stay low Wednesday, around 10-12 percent, but climb later in the week, with the forecast showing roughly a 40 percent chance Friday and scattered showers and thunderstorms becoming more likely Saturday and Sunday. Most storms are expected to pop up inland during late afternoons and evenings and could bring brief heavy rainfall, gusty winds and frequent lightning, so be ready for quick localized downpours and possible short commute delays. Official forecasts call for isolated to scattered storms through the week, with moisture increasing into the weekend.
Heat Safety And Local Resources
Nights will not offer much relief, with lows only dropping to the upper 70s to near 80°F, so check on people who are most vulnerable and make sure pets have plenty of water. Hillsborough County maintains guidance and a list of cooling locations for residents seeking relief, so review the county's extreme heat information before heading out: Hillsborough County.
What To Know For Your Commute
Afternoon pop-up storms can quickly turn into blinding downpours that leave roads slick and traffic crawling, so drivers should plan for brief delays on surface streets and bridges during the evening commute. Boaters and mariners should keep an eye on marine forecasts heading into the weekend, as seas may turn choppy with increasing winds.
