Tampa is starting Sunday clear and steamy, but the calm will not last. Temperatures will climb toward 92 degrees, with the heat index reaching about 103 before scattered showers and thunderstorms return. Storms could bring brief heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds, so outdoor plans may need an indoor backup.
The first isolated showers and thunderstorms could develop between 9 and 10 a.m., with scattered activity becoming more likely late Sunday morning and continuing through the afternoon. The chance of rain is 50%, and some spots could pick up between a tenth and a quarter-inch of rain, according to the National Weather Service.
Storms Could Bring Heavy Downpours
Sunday's storms are expected to move slowly, which raises the chance of rain piling up over the same neighborhoods. The Tampa Bay weather office says heavy rainfall and gusty winds remain the main concerns, with localized flooding possible where storms sit over urban or low-lying areas.
Temperatures could ease into the upper 80s during the afternoon as storms pass, but the evening will stay warm and humid. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible before 8 p.m., followed by partly cloudy skies and a low near 77 degrees.
Heat Peaks Monday Before Winds Pick Up
Monday looks slightly hotter, with a high near 93 and a heat index as high as 104. Most of the day should be mostly sunny, but scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected after 2 p.m., with another chance for evening storms before partly cloudy skies return.
Tuesday keeps the familiar Tampa formula going: sunshine first, then a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Highs should reach about 92 degrees, while overnight temperatures settle near 76.
Midweek Brings Stronger Northeast Winds
The bigger shift arrives Wednesday and Thursday, when northeast winds strengthen across the area. Wednesday's forecast calls for winds of 9 to 16 mph with gusts up to 25 mph, while Thursday brings east-northeast winds around 13 mph with gusts near 20 mph.
Storm chances remain elevated as well, reaching 50% Wednesday and 60% Thursday. The latest outlook does not list any watches, warnings or advisories for Tampa, but lightning, sudden downpours and stronger storm gusts will still make it smart to head indoors when thunder arrives.
