Tampa is starting Thursday, August 27, clear but sticky, with temperatures around 80 degrees and humidity near 86%. That calm opening is expected to give way to scattered showers and thunderstorms after 8 a.m., with a high near 91 and heat-index values up to 99.
The National Weather Service puts the daytime rain chance at 50%, with the first storms most likely along the coast during the morning and early afternoon. As winds turn southwest, the sea-breeze boundary should push inland, increasing storm coverage over interior areas in the mid- to late afternoon.
Brief heavy downpours are possible, and lightning and sudden gusty winds could make outdoor plans messy. Rainfall in most spots is expected to stay under a tenth of an inch, but locally heavier rain may develop.
Storm Chances Rise Into The Weekend
Friday follows a similar script: sunny early, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Tampa could reach 92 degrees, with heat-index values near 99 and a 50% chance of rain.
Saturday turns hotter, with a high near 94 and a 70% chance of afternoon storms. Sunday brings the wettest outlook, with widespread showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m., an 80% chance of rain and a high near 93.
The local forecast discussion warns that a few weekend storms may be strong enough to produce damaging wind gusts, so keep an indoor backup for beach, park and patio plans. There are no watches, warnings or advisories posted for Tampa in the current report.
Rain chances remain elevated early next week, with an 80% chance of storms Sunday and Monday before easing to 60% Tuesday and Wednesday. The outlook extends the unsettled pattern described in Wednesday's Hoodline forecast into the start of September.
For Thursday, morning errands have the best odds of staying dry, while afternoon plans should allow for a quick indoor detour. Drink water, take breaks from the heat and head inside at the first sign of lightning.
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