Florida – Sunshine is quickly taking over the Tampa Bay skyline, and the air already feels heavier than the thermometer suggests. Humidity is climbing through the late morning, setting the stage for another afternoon of dangerous heat before isolated thunderstorms bubble up across parts of west-central Florida.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay/Ruskin, temperatures will climb to 94 degrees this afternoon while heat index values reach as high as 105 degrees. Only a 20 percent chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms is expected, but any storm that forms could briefly produce heavy rain, gusty winds, dangerous lightning, and rapidly changing travel conditions.
The hottest part of the day arrives during the afternoon when pavement, parking lots, and vehicles heat quickly under mostly sunny skies. Outdoor workers, boaters, beachgoers, and anyone exercising should take frequent breaks, drink plenty of water, and seek air conditioning whenever possible. Heat-related illness can develop quickly when temperatures and humidity combine at these levels.
Drivers along Interstate 275, Interstate 4, Interstate 75, the Veterans Expressway, and the Selmon Expressway should remain alert for sudden downpours if isolated storms develop later today. Reduced visibility and slick pavement can develop in minutes despite otherwise dry conditions.
The summer heat continues through the middle of the week. Tuesday reaches 95 degrees with another heat index around 104 degrees. Wednesday climbs to 96 degrees under mostly sunny skies before Thursday remains hot near 96 degrees. Scattered thunderstorms return later in the week, but widespread rainfall is not expected through midweek.
While the nation’s most significant severe weather and flash flood threats remain focused over parts of the Plains, Midwest, and portions of the Southeast, west-central Florida’s primary concern continues to be dangerous heat, high humidity, and isolated afternoon thunderstorms capable of producing lightning and localized heavy rain.
Five-Day Forecast for Tampa, FL
- Monday: Mostly sunny with isolated showers and thunderstorms. High 94°F. Heat index up to 105°F. Rain chance 20%.
- Monday Night: Partly cloudy. Low 80°F.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot. High 95°F. Heat index up to 104°F.
- Tuesday Night: Mostly clear. Low 80°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny and hot. High 96°F.
- Wednesday Night: Mostly clear. Low 81°F.
- Thursday: Sunny and hot. High 96°F.
