Rain Returns To Tampa Bay’s Forecast

TAMPA, FL — While forecasters at the National Weather Service are warning that some parts of the Tampa Bay area are under red flag warnings for wildfire threats, they also say a change might be on the way. Rain is expected to make a return before the weekend comes to an end.

Friday, however, is expected to kick things off with steamy conditions in much of the region. Forecasters expect sunny skies with a high in the upper 80s during the daytime hours. Mostly clear skies are expected overnight with a low in the upper 60s.

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Residents in Manatee, Polk and Citrus counties will find red flag warnings are in effect for their areas. Forecasters say relatively low humidity levels and other factors make it more likely that any outdoor fires that start will spread rapidly. Polk and Citrus counties are already under burn bans, but forecasters warn residents in all three counties to refrain from outdoor burning.

Saturday is expected to be a transitional day of sorts. The day is anticipated to start out with mostly sunny conditions and a high in the mid- to upper 80s. As the afternoon continues, rain chances begin to move into the picture. There’s a chance for rain heading into the overnight hours, as well, when the low will only drop to about 70 degrees.

Storm chances rise significantly on Sunday when forecasters say an upper level disturbance and attendant cold front will deliver showers and the potential for isolated thunderstorms in the region. The day’s high is expected to reach the mid-80s. Rain chances are expected to stick around into the nighttime hours when the low is forecast to drop into the upper 60s.

The weather service expects the effects of the cold front will be felt on Monday. While breezy conditions and the potential for thunderstorms will remain, the day’s high is only forecast to reach the upper 70s in much of the region. Skies are expected to clear out heading into the nighttime hours Monday when a low in the lower 60s is forecast.

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