Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For Tampa Bay Area

TAMPA, FL — With much of the Tampa Bay area already soggy from days of rain and some rivers in flood stage, forecasters at the National Weather Service are warning storms anticipated over the next few days could complicate matters.

Scattered thunderstorms are excepted in much of the region over the next few days with chances for precipitation highest over the weekend. “Gusty winds, frequent lightning, and torrential rains will accompany any stronger storms,” the service warned in Thursday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report. “Several area rivers will remain in flood stage over the next few days. Additional rainfall may worsen or prolong the existing flooding.”

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Concerns about localized flooding have plagued the Tampa Bay area over the past week or so. In Manatee County, some residents were flooded out of their homes. Roads were closed in parts of Sarasota, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, as well. Preparing for more storm chances over the Labor Day weekend, Manatee County plans to open its sandbag sites on Friday, Sept. 1.

The weather service says Thursday will kick off with sunny conditions and a blistering high in the mid-90s in much of the region. The heat index value could spike to 107 degrees. Rain chances move in during the afternoon hours with a 20 percent chance forecast in much of the region. Chances rise to about 30 percent in the overnight hours with a low in the upper 70s forecast.

Friday is expected to kick off with a 50 percent chance of scattered storms in the late morning hours and partly sunny skies earlier in the day. The high is forecast to reach the low 90s with storm chances lingering into the overnight hours. The evening low is once again forecast to only drop into the upper 70s.

Saturday is expected to bring a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms in much of the region. The day’s high, however, is forecast to only climb into the upper 80s. Rain chances linger overnight with a low in the mid-70s expected.

A 50 percent chance of scattered storms is also expected on Sunday with a high around 90 degrees. Rain chances are anticipated to wane heading into the overnight hours with a low in the upper 70s forecast.

As of Thursday, forecasters expected Labor Day Monday to deliver a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms during the daytime hours. A high temperature in the low 90s is expected.

For an extended look at the forecast in your neighborhood, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

Patch file photo