Tampa woke up in the steam bath again. By 5:35 a.m. EDT it was already about 81°F with dewpoints in the mid-70s, the kind of humidity that hits you the second you open the door. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, Friday, July 10, with temperatures pushing toward 98°F and heat index values near 110°F. A few isolated thunderstorms may pop up late this afternoon, with a better chance for scattered showers and storms tonight. If you have to be outside, think shorter outings, more shade, and a lot more water.
Heat Advisory Today
The National Weather Service has a Heat Advisory posted for the Tampa area from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, calling for heat index values up to 110°F and afternoon highs near 98°F, and urging people to limit time outdoors during the peak heat. According to NWS Tampa Bay, outdoor workers, older adults, and young children are most at risk. Recommended precautions include staying hydrated, using air conditioning if you can, and checking in on neighbors and relatives who may struggle with the heat.
Afternoon Storms And Tonight’s Showers
Sea breeze thunderstorms could bubble up later today, with isolated storms possible after 5 p.m. and a higher chance for scattered showers and thunderstorms before 11 p.m. and into the overnight hours. Any storm could bring brief heavy downpours and gusty winds, so have an umbrella or a quick shelter plan in mind. Rain coverage will be spotty, and many neighborhoods will stay very hot even where storms manage to cool things off for a bit.
Where To Cool Off
If the heat gets to be too much, cooling stations have been operating across the city. Recent listings include the Kate Jackson Community Center at 821 S Rome Avenue in Tampa. You can find locations and hours through local coverage from Bay News 9. Keep in mind that any afternoon or evening thunderstorms could slow buses and rideshares, so give yourself extra time to reach a cooling site.
Plan Ahead
Try to move strenuous outdoor work to early morning or later in the evening, and never leave children or pets in parked cars during the midday heat. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, or nausea. If someone starts showing these symptoms, get them to a cooler place right away and seek medical attention if their condition does not improve or gets worse.
