Tampa Bay is heading into its hottest day of the week Tuesday, with clear skies giving way to a dangerous afternoon heat index near 113. Temperatures are expected to reach 97 degrees, while only a few isolated showers or thunderstorms may interrupt the heat.
Heat Advisory Runs Through 7 P.M.
The advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday across Tampa Bay and much of southwest and west-central Florida. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay warns that heat and humidity may cause heat illness and recommends drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air conditioning, avoiding direct sun, and checking on relatives and neighbors, according to NWS Tampa Bay.
Tampa started Tuesday with clear skies and temperatures in the low 80s, along with west-northwest winds of about 5 to 12 mph. The heat will build quickly through midday, with the hottest window from early afternoon into late afternoon; Tuesday's rain chance is about 20%, and most activity is more likely inland and north of I-4.
Rain Chances Climb Wednesday
Tuesday night will stay partly cloudy and muggy, with a low near 81 and heat index values still reaching 108. Wednesday brings a high near 95 and a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, with rainfall totals potentially reaching a quarter to half inch.
Moisture is expected to increase from north to south after Tuesday, so the rest of the week looks wetter even as temperatures ease slightly. Thursday through Monday bring highs in the low to mid-90s, with daily shower and thunderstorm chances generally ranging from 30% to 60% and overnight lows near the upper 70s.
Plan Outdoor Time Early
For anyone working or exercising outside, the safest bet is to get it done early, take frequent breaks, and avoid the sun during the advisory hours. Thunderstorms are not expected to be widespread Tuesday, but any storm could bring a brief downpour and locally higher winds.
