Tampa Bay Sizzles Before 2 P.M. Storms Slam City All Weekend

Tampa is starting Wednesday clear, calm and already muggy, but the easy-looking morning will give way to a hotter afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb to around 94 degrees, with the heat index reaching as high as 102 before scattered showers and thunderstorms develop after 2 p.m.

As of 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, Tampa was near 78 degrees under clear skies, with very high humidity and nearly calm winds. The National Weather Service Tampa Bay expects south winds of 2 to 6 mph during the day, with rain chances around 30% and only light rainfall expected in most spots.

Storms Arrive After 2 P.M.

The best chance for a passing downpour or thunderstorm comes during the afternoon and early evening, when temperatures should ease from the low 90s toward the upper 80s. Storms may bring brief heavy rain, lightning and sudden wind shifts, so outdoor plans should have an indoor backup once thunder starts.

Some showers and storms could continue Wednesday evening before midnight, followed by partly cloudy skies and a low near 75 degrees. Winds will turn east-southeast at about 5 mph overnight, keeping conditions warm and sticky even after the rain fades.

Wetter Pattern Builds Into The Weekend

Thursday will be slightly cooler at about 92 degrees, but the rain chance rises to 60% after noon. Friday stays mostly sunny at first with a high near 93, followed by another 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms through the day and evening.

The weekend looks hotter and stormier, with highs near 94 degrees and an 80% chance of showers and thunderstorms both Saturday and Sunday, mainly after 2 p.m. The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into early next week, with highs in the low to mid-90s and daily afternoon storm chances.

No Active Weather Advisories

No watches, warnings or advisories are posted for Tampa in the current forecast. Even without an alert, the combination of heat and humidity can wear people down quickly, so water, shade and shorter outdoor plans are the sensible play during the hottest part of the day.