Tampa, Fla. – Bright sunshine is quickly giving way to towering clouds across the Tampa Bay region late this morning, signaling another classic Florida summer day. Heat will build through midday, but the bigger concern arrives this afternoon when thunderstorms become more widespread and could quickly drench neighborhoods, beaches and major highways.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, temperatures will climb to around 92 degrees this afternoon while the heat index approaches 100 degrees. Scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop after midday, with rain becoming more widespread through the afternoon. The chance of precipitation increases to 70%, making outdoor plans increasingly vulnerable to lightning and heavy rain.
Some storms could produce torrential downpours, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning and wind gusts strong enough to blow around unsecured objects. While widespread severe weather is not expected, an isolated stronger storm remains possible as sea breeze boundaries collide across west-central Florida. Localized street flooding may develop where heavier rain lingers.
Drivers along Interstate 275, Interstate 4, Veterans Expressway and the Selmon Expressway should prepare for rapidly changing visibility and slick pavement during the afternoon commute. Heavy tropical rain can reduce visibility to near zero in a matter of minutes. Slow down and never drive through water covering the roadway.
Heat safety remains equally important before storms develop. Drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks if working outdoors and seek air-conditioned spaces during the hottest part of the day.
Sunday brings another active weather pattern with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms and highs near 92 degrees. Rain becomes even more likely Monday before scattered afternoon storms continue Tuesday. Daily thunderstorm chances persist through much of the upcoming week, keeping wet roads and brief travel delays in the picture.
The Climate Prediction Center continues to favor above-normal temperatures across Florida during the 6-to-10-day outlook, meaning summer heat will remain firmly in place despite frequent afternoon storms.
Keep an eye on the sky if you have outdoor plans today, and be ready to head indoors at the first sound of thunder. Are storms already building where you are, or is the sunshine still holding on?
Five-Day Forecast for Tampa, Florida
- Sunday: Scattered thunderstorms becoming more numerous during the afternoon. High near 92°F. 60% chance of rain.
- Monday: Showers likely with thunderstorms. High near 93°F. 60% chance of rain.
- Tuesday: Scattered thunderstorms. High near 94°F. 40% chance of rain.
- Wednesday: Scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High near 92°F. 30% chance of rain.
- Thursday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms with a high near 93°F. Above-normal temperatures are expected to continue into late next week.
