Tampa, Florida – Storm chances climb as high as 70 percent by Saturday afternoon, raising the risk for slick highways along I-275 and I-4 just as weekend travel ramps up. Drivers across the Tampa Bay region should prepare for sudden downpours that could reduce visibility and slow traffic within minutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, temperatures will continue warming into the mid and upper 80s Friday ahead of a cold front expected to move into the region late Friday into Saturday. Scattered showers may begin developing Friday afternoon, with coverage increasing overnight and into Saturday as the front approaches.
In Tampa and Lakeland, brief heavy rain could pond on I-4 and major interchanges during peak travel hours. Across St. Petersburg and Clearwater, showers moving onshore may create slick stretches along US-19 and I-275. Farther south toward Bradenton and Sarasota along I-75, rainfall rates could briefly overwhelm drainage in low-lying areas.
While severe weather is not expected to be widespread, isolated thunderstorms could produce gusty winds and lightning. Residents should secure outdoor items, avoid flooded roadways and allow extra stopping distance during downpours. Keep mobile devices charged in case brief power interruptions occur.
Conditions improve by Sunday as drier air returns, bringing partly cloudy skies and highs in the low to mid-80s. Dry weather is expected to continue into early next week, but additional updates will be issued if storm coverage increases late Friday or Saturday.
