Weather
Central Florida Weather Alert: 90° Heat, Storms Return by Friday Oct 16
TAMPA, FL — Residents across west central and southwest Florida can expect several days of sunshine and lower humidity before a noticeable weather change brings increasing chances of showers and thund
By Rachel Monroe · 2026-10-12T09:35:07.813Z
TAMPA, FL — Residents across west central and southwest Florida can expect several days of sunshine and lower humidity before a noticeable weather change brings increasing chances of showers and thunderstorms toward the end of the week.
According to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay office, mostly sunny and less humid conditions will continue through Wednesday, October 14, before moisture returns Thursday and Friday, increasing the potential for afternoon and evening thunderstorms.
Sunshine and Warm Temperatures Through Wednesday
Monday, October 12, will feature mostly sunny skies, with afternoon highs ranging from 84 to 89 degrees across the region.
Rain chances remain near zero, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities.
Tuesday, October 13, will bring another mostly sunny day, with temperatures again reaching 84 to 89 degrees. Overnight lows are expected to range from 61 to 73 degrees.
By Wednesday, October 14, afternoon highs could climb between 85 and 90 degrees, with partly cloudy skies and rain chances remaining at just 0% to 10%.
Rain Chances Increase Thursday
A shift in the weather pattern begins Thursday, October 15, as additional moisture moves into the region.
Scattered afternoon showers will become possible primarily south of Interstate 4, with rain probabilities increasing to 10% to 50%.
Temperatures will remain warm, with highs between 85 and 90 degrees.
Thunderstorms Expand Across Region Friday
By Friday, October 16, showers and thunderstorms could develop across much of west central and southwest Florida.
The National Weather Service forecasts rain chances ranging from 20% to 60%, with scattered afternoon thunderstorms possible.
Friday highs will remain between 85 and 90 degrees, while overnight lows range from 67 to 76 degrees.
Residents across Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota and surrounding communities should monitor updated forecasts, particularly those planning outdoor activities late in the week.
Although the forecast identifies a low weather impact Thursday and Friday, lightning and brief downpours remain possible with developing thunderstorms.