Tampa, Florida – Anyone planning outdoor activities across west-central Florida this week will need to keep an eye on the sky each afternoon as the region settles into a typical summer pattern of heat, humidity and scattered thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected each day through at least Thursday, with the greatest rain chances generally focused over inland sections of the state. A west to southwest wind pattern early in the week will gradually shift to a more southerly flow during the second half of the week.
Temperatures will remain firmly in summer territory across the region. Highs are expected to reach 88 to 94 degrees Monday, 89 to 94 degrees Tuesday, 89 to 96 degrees Wednesday, and 90 to 96 degrees Thursday. Combined with Florida humidity, heat index values could climb well above the actual air temperature during the afternoon hours.
Communities including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakeland and Winter Haven may see brief but intense downpours, frequent lightning and gusty winds with developing thunderstorms. While widespread severe weather is not anticipated, localized street flooding can occur where storms repeatedly move over the same area.
Motorists should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions during the afternoon and evening commute, especially on Interstate 4, Interstate 75 and the Veterans Expressway. Lightning remains the primary hazard with Florida thunderstorms, making it important to move indoors immediately when thunder is heard.
The daily storm pattern is expected to continue through the second half of the week as tropical moisture remains in place across the Florida Peninsula. Additional forecast updates may be issued if stronger storms or heavier rainfall become more likely.
Five Day Forecast for Tampa Bay, Florida
- Monday: Isolated to scattered showers and storms. High 88-94°, low 72-81°.
- Tuesday: Isolated to scattered showers and storms. High 89-94°, low 72-81°.
- Wednesday: Isolated to scattered showers and storms. High 89-96°, low 74-80°.
- Thursday: Isolated to scattered showers and storms. High 90-96°, low 74-82°.
- Friday: Continued summer pattern with daily afternoon storm chances expected.
