Tampa, Fla. – Drivers across Tampa Bay should prepare for wet roads and thunder rumbling through the Labor Day weekend. Heavy downpours could slow traffic on I-275 and cause ponding in low-lying areas Sunday night into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, scattered thunderstorms are expected each afternoon through Monday, with the highest rain chances centered on Labor Day. Localized flooding is possible in poor-drainage zones, and lightning could disrupt outdoor holiday plans. Temperatures will stay hot and muggy until midweek, with highs near 90 and heat indices in the upper 90s.
The biggest shift comes after the holiday. Cooler air spilling south from the Midwest will lower humidity and bring more comfortable conditions by late week. While Florida won’t see the sharp drop expected across the Great Lakes, Tampa will notice slightly cooler mornings and less oppressive afternoons heading into the first week of September.
Holiday travelers should stay weather-aware, especially during peak return times Monday afternoon. Storms could briefly reduce visibility on the Howard Frankland Bridge and other bay-area crossings. If thunder roars, officials urge people to move indoors and avoid open water or beaches until storms pass.
The active pattern continues into Tuesday and Wednesday with scattered thunderstorms, though coverage lessens by Thursday. By Friday, more sunshine and highs near 90 should return, closing out the shortened workweek on a calmer note.
Five Day Forecast for Tampa, FL
- Sunday: High 90, scattered thunderstorms, rain chance 80%.
- Labor Day (Monday): High 88, thunderstorms likely, rain chance 70%.
- Tuesday: High 88, scattered storms, rain chance 60%.
- Wednesday: High 88, showers and storms, rain chance 70%.
- Thursday: High 89, partly cloudy, storms possible, rain chance 50%.
