TAMPA, Fla. – Residents across the Tampa Bay area face another round of daily thunderstorms and dangerous heat through the weekend, with the National Weather Service warning of heat index values climbing as high as 103 degrees by Thursday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa, showers and thunderstorms are most likely late in the afternoon and evening, with storm chances peaking at 60% Thursday, 70% Saturday, and holding near 70% on Sunday. Heavy downpours could create localized street flooding, especially in low-lying areas and along major roadways like I-275 and the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Friday will bring a brief lull, but isolated storms remain possible, keeping heat indices near triple digits. Forecasters say winds will stay light, mainly from the west at 5 to 10 mph, allowing storms to build inland before drifting back toward coastal Pinellas and Hillsborough counties in the evening.
Residents are advised to limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours, stay hydrated, and prepare for sudden downpours when driving. Storms could also bring brief gusty winds and lightning, making outdoor evening events risky.
The unsettled pattern will persist into early next week, with storm chances tapering slightly by Tuesday.
Five Day Forecast for Tampa, FL
- Thursday: High 94, storms likely after 4 p.m., heat index up to 103.
- Friday: High 93, scattered storms, storm chance 50%.
- Saturday: High 92, showers and storms 70%.
- Sunday: High 91, storms remain likely, 70% chance.
- Monday: High 92, partly sunny with a 50% storm chance.
