Tampa starts Saturday clear but already sticky, with temperatures around 82 degrees before sunrise and humidity close to 79%. The brief calm will give way to scattered showers and thunderstorms, a high near 90 degrees and heat index values reaching 100.
Storm Chances Build Through Saturday
Rain chances begin modestly this morning, increase toward midday and afternoon, and remain possible into the evening. The National Weather Service Tampa Bay forecast puts the chance of rain at 60%, with west-southwest winds between 3 and 10 mph and rainfall totals of roughly a tenth to a quarter of an inch. Any storm could bring a quick downpour, lightning and brief gusty winds, so outdoor plans may need a backup.
Beachgoers Face Dangerous Rip Currents
A dangerous rip current threat remains in effect through Sunday evening for Pinellas, coastal Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee counties. The National Weather Service advises swimmers to stay near a lifeguard and never try to fight a rip current straight toward shore. If caught, relax and float, then swim parallel to the beach when possible or signal for help.
Stormy Pattern Continues Into Next Week
Saturday night stays mostly cloudy with scattered storms, a low around 77 degrees and a 50% rain chance. Sunday looks slightly cooler, with a high near 88, a 70% chance of showers and thunderstorms, and gusts that could reach 18 mph; Monday returns to around 90 with another round of storms.
The unsettled pattern does not disappear after the weekend. Highs are expected to reach 91 degrees Tuesday, 92 Wednesday and 93 Thursday and Friday, with daily storm chances ranging from 50% to 70% and the best odds generally arriving during the afternoon.
