Tampa wakes Saturday to partly cloudy skies and sticky air, but the calm is temporary. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected through the morning and afternoon, with a high near 87 degrees and heat index values approaching 99.
Storms And Heat Build Through Saturday
Showers and storms may arrive before 11 a.m., then remain possible through the afternoon and evening. Rain chances reach about 70%, with south winds of 8 to 14 mph and gusts up to 21 mph, according to the National Weather Service.
Localized heavy rainfall and flooding are possible, while downpours may briefly reduce visibility and slow traffic. The combination of tropical humidity and afternoon heat will make it feel considerably warmer than the actual temperature.
Beach Conditions Are The Bigger Hazard
Coastal residents and beachgoers face more than just a passing thunderstorm. A High Surf Advisory remains in effect through 8 p.m. Saturday, while dangerous rip currents are expected along Pinellas and coastal Hillsborough beaches through Sunday evening; minor coastal flooding is possible in low-lying coastal areas through 8 a.m.
Inexperienced swimmers should stay out of the water, and anyone entering the surf should remain near a lifeguard. Drivers should not go around barricades or through water of unknown depth, especially in flood-prone coastal lots and roads.
Sunday Stays Unsettled Before A Sunny Reset
Sunday brings another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 85 and a roughly 60% chance of rain. Conditions should begin improving Sunday night as temperatures fall to around 72 degrees and drier air starts moving in.
Monday looks like the payoff: sunny skies, a high near 86 and a low around 70. Tuesday looks sunny, with afternoon highs in the mid to upper 80s, a much calmer day after a weekend that may require both sunscreen and a storm plan.
The shift marks a substantive update from Friday's earlier forecast, with the surf advisory extended into Saturday evening and the rip-current risk now continuing through Sunday.
