Tampa, Florida – Scorching heat and fast-developing storms will hammer the Tampa Bay area Wednesday, with afternoon highs soaring to 94°F and heat index values peaking near 103°F.
According to the National Weather Service, a slight chance of storms begins by late morning Wednesday, increasing to a 50% likelihood by the afternoon. Calm morning winds will shift southwest at 5 to 7 mph, stirring unstable air that could produce isolated downpours. Motorists on I-275 and surrounding roadways should plan for slick pavement and potential delays, especially between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Wednesday night brings continued storm chances with lows near 77°F. Rain chances persist at 30%, with west-northwest winds calming to around 5 mph. While storms may taper off overnight, the moisture won’t leave Florida any time soon.
Looking ahead:
- Thursday: Another round of storms begins mid-afternoon with a high near 93°F. Winds shift southwest, and storm chances rise to 50%.
- Friday: Up to 70% chance of rain with thunderstorms likely by late afternoon. High near 89°F.
- Saturday: Storms ease slightly to a 30% chance. Temperatures stay hot near 88°F with partly cloudy skies.
- Sunday: A 40% chance of storms returns, with highs still hovering in the upper 80s.
- Monday: More of the same: 50% storm chance and summer heat, high near 90°F.
Stormy, steamy days will dominate Tampa’s summer pattern. Keep devices charged, drive cautiously, and check alerts daily — more advisories are likely through Monday night.
