Tampa, FL – Dangerous heat and the potential for strong thunderstorms will be the main weather story Thursday across Tampa Bay, with the National Weather Service warning of a 50% chance of storms after 1 p.m. and heat index values soaring to 105°. The combination could impact afternoon travel, outdoor work, and school pickup hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Ruskin, winds will shift southwest around 6 mph in the afternoon, helping to feed scattered thunderstorms capable of producing frequent lightning and brief heavy downpours. While rainfall totals are expected to be light in most areas, localized ponding is possible on poorly drained streets.
Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties could see the most activity between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with storms tapering off into the evening. Residents are urged to limit outdoor exposure during peak heat, stay hydrated, and have a safe indoor location ready if lightning approaches.
The unsettled pattern will continue into the weekend, with daily storm chances and high humidity. Warnings may be extended if heat and storm activity remain elevated.
Five Day Tampa, FL Forecast:
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, storms after 1 p.m. High 95°F, low 79°F.
- Friday: Slight chance of storms morning, scattered storms afternoon. High 96°F, low 79°F.
- Saturday: Morning storms possible, afternoon storms likely. High 96°F, low 79°F.
- Sunday: Storms after 2 p.m., warm and humid. High 96°F, low 79°F.
- Monday: Showers and storms likely, especially afternoon. High 96°F, low 78°F.
