Tampa is waking to clear skies and air near 80°F Friday, but the calm will not last: scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected after 7 a.m. The city could reach 91°F, with the heat index near 101°F, before storm activity makes the afternoon a less reliable bet for outdoor plans.
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay Ruskin office puts Friday’s rain chance at 50%, with light south-southwest winds around 2 to 7 mph, according to the latest forecast discussion. The morning should be mostly sunny, while storms become more likely from late morning through the afternoon; some could bring brief heavy rain, lightning and wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph.
Weekend Storms Become More Numerous
Saturday will be hotter, with mostly sunny skies early and a high near 93°F. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected after 2 p.m., with the heat index reaching 102°F and a 50% chance of rain.
Sunday looks like the wettest day in the near-term forecast, with widespread showers and thunderstorms expected after 2 p.m. Rain chances reach 90%, while temperatures again climb near 93°F before storms continue into Sunday night.
Storm Chances Stick Around Into Next Week
The unsettled pattern is forecast to continue Monday, when widespread afternoon and evening storms are expected and rain chances reach 80%. Tuesday through Thursday stay hot, with highs from 92°F to 93°F and daily chances for showers and thunderstorms ranging from about 60% to 70%.
There are no watches, warnings or advisories posted for Tampa in the current forecast. Still, lightning and sudden gusty winds can turn a beach, patio or park plan into an indoor one quickly, so head inside when thunder is audible and keep water handy during the hottest part of the day.
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