Tampa, Florida – Drivers, beachgoers, and travelers in Florida’s Gulf Coast region should prepare for a stormy and steamy Memorial Day weekend as heat and thunderstorms build across Tampa by Saturday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms moves in after 2 p.m. Saturday, with temperatures soaring to 96°F and a heat index nearing 98°F. West winds will increase up to 8 mph as moisture returns. By Saturday night, the rain threat lingers before midnight, followed by mostly clear skies and lows around 75°F.
On Sunday and Memorial Day, similar conditions continue. Thunderstorms are expected each afternoon, with highs in the low to mid-90s. Rain chances rise to 40 percent, and calm morning winds will shift westward by evening, possibly affecting traffic on I-275 and local roads across Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties.
What to do: Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat. Use air conditioning and hydrate frequently. Check local alerts before driving, especially in storm-prone afternoon hours.
Looking ahead, the pattern holds through Thursday. Scattered thunderstorms are possible each afternoon, with temperatures hovering between 92°F and 94°F. Winds remain light but shift between west and northwest, pushing storm activity inland late in the day.
More storms could pop each day through Thursday, so expect continued lightning risks and brief downpours during peak travel hours. Stay tuned for updated advisories as Memorial Day approaches.
