Tampa woke to clear skies and temperatures near 79 degrees Saturday, but the city is headed for a 97-degree afternoon with a heat index as high as 109. A Heat Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., making the hottest part of the day a poor time for prolonged outdoor plans.
Heat Peaks Before Evening
The advisory covers Tampa and much of southwest and west central Florida as humidity pushes the feels-like temperature well above the actual air temperature. The National Weather Service advises residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning when possible, avoid direct sun and check on relatives and neighbors.
Brief Storm Window Saturday
Saturday should stay sunny through early afternoon before isolated showers and thunderstorms become possible between 2 and 5 p.m. Rain chances are around 20%, with rainfall generally staying below a tenth of an inch, but a few stronger storms could produce wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph.
Winds will be light, generally out of the southeast at first before turning west or northwest later in the day. The forecast calls for mostly clear skies Saturday night, with temperatures dipping only to about 78 degrees and the heat index remaining elevated into the evening.
Next Week Stays Hot, Gets Wetter
Sunday and Monday will remain mostly sunny and hot, with highs near 97 and overnight lows around 78 to 80 degrees. Storm chances increase Tuesday through Friday, reaching about 30% Tuesday and Wednesday and 40% Thursday and Friday, while highs still hover between 95 and 97.
Keep Outdoor Plans Flexible
For Saturday, schedule strenuous work and exercise earlier or later if possible, take frequent breaks and keep water close. The City of Tampa recommends limiting extended outdoor exposure during heat advisories and using indoor public spaces to cool down.
