Rain Returns To Tampa Bay’s Forecast

TAMPA, FL — With more than 140 active wildfires burning across the Sunshine State on Friday, the need for rain is more than evident. Forecasters say it’s looking like the Tampa Bay area, at least, may witness a few drops over the Mother’s Day weekend ahead.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday will kick things off with mostly sunny, hot conditions. The day’s high is expected to climb into the upper 80s. With low humidity levels expected to combine with the hot temperatures, forecasters say critical fire weather concerns remain for Friday. Air quality issues have also become a concern as hot, stagnant air settles over the region. Forecasters say Friday night should bring mostly cloudy conditions with a low in the low 70s.

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Conditions are expected to change heading into Saturday when the day starts out with a slight chance for thunderstorms in much of the region. Rain chances rise to about 50 percent heading into the afternoon hours when the day’s high is expected to only reach the mid-80s.

Storm chances are expected to stick around Saturday night. Some thunderstorms are possible in the overnight hours as temperatures drop to the low 70s.

While rain is a possibility for Saturday, forecasters say Sunday should bring a return of another dry streak to the region. Mother’s Day is expected to deliver sunny skies and a high in the upper 80s to much of the Tampa Bay area. Mostly clear skies and a low around 70 are expected in the overnight hours.

As of Friday, forecasters expected next week to bring a return of temperatures in the 90s. Rain is not in the forecast for the workweek ahead.

The Florida Forest Service reported on Friday that 138 active wildfires were burning on lands under that agency’s jurisdiction. Twenty-five of the fires were deemed major, spanning more than 100 acres. Three fires continued to burn on federal lands within Florida, as well.

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