TAMPA, Fla. – September storms are set to build across Tampa Bay on Tuesday, bringing heavy showers and possible travel disruptions. Commuters along I-275 and surrounding roadways should expect slick conditions and reduced visibility during the morning and afternoon hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, showers and thunderstorms will increase after 2 p.m. Tuesday, with heat index values climbing near 97 degrees. Northeasterly winds up to 9 mph will add to storm development, creating hazardous conditions for drivers and outdoor workers.
Localized flooding is possible in low-lying neighborhoods, while lightning poses an elevated risk for outdoor events. Residents should avoid non-essential travel during peak storm hours, secure outdoor items, and charge electronic devices in case of brief outages. Tampa International Airport travelers may face delays as scattered storms roll through the area.
Meanwhile, the rest of the nation may look skyward. A powerful coronal mass ejection is expected to create visible Northern Lights through Tuesday morning. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center says skies as far south as Kentucky, Virginia, and even Northern California could light up, provided cloud cover remains minimal.
For Tampa Bay, storms continue into midweek. Wednesday and Thursday both bring a 50% chance of afternoon thunderstorms, with highs near 90 and lows in the mid-70s. Slightly drier conditions are expected by Friday, but scattered storms return Saturday and Sunday, keeping the region unsettled.
Warnings remain in effect through midweek, with updates possible if storm intensity increases.
Five-Day Forecast for Tampa, Florida
- Tuesday: Showers likely, high 90. Storms after 2 p.m.
- Wednesday: 60% chance of storms, high 89.
- Thursday: 50% chance of thunderstorms, high 88.
- Friday: Isolated storms, mostly sunny, high 90.
- Saturday: Scattered thunderstorms, high 92.
