Tampa is starting today with clear skies and temperatures around 77 degrees, but the calm will not last. Heat and humidity will build quickly before scattered thunderstorms bring a chance of heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds later in the day.
Heat Peaks Before Afternoon Storms
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Tampa and much of west central Florida from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, with heat index values expected to reach 108 to 109 degrees. The high should reach about 94 degrees, although temperatures could fall toward the upper 80s as storms develop. Residents should drink plenty of fluids, use air conditioning when possible and limit time in direct sun, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms Spread Inland Through Thursday
Scattered showers and thunderstorms could begin after 8 a.m., with coverage increasing through the early and middle afternoon as storms move inland from the coast. Stronger cells may produce brief heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds; the forecast discussion says a few storms could generate gusts of 40 to 50 mph, though most gusts should stay below 30 mph. Anyone outdoors should move inside as soon as thunder is heard.
Hot, Stormy Pattern Continues Into Next Week
Thursday night will turn partly cloudy after isolated showers and thunderstorms taper off before 10 p.m., with a low near 77 degrees. Friday will remain hot at around 93 degrees, with heat index values as high as 104 and a 50% chance of afternoon storms.
Saturday and Sunday should bring highs near 92 degrees with scattered thunderstorms and rain chances around 40%. The heat continues Monday and Tuesday, when highs may reach 93 to 94 degrees before afternoon storms, followed by another hot day near 95 degrees Wednesday. The new advisory adds a sharper near-term warning to the steamy, storm-filled pattern outlined in Hoodline's earlier forecast.
