Storms In Tampa Bay’s Weekend Forecast

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors may want to dust off their trusty umbrellas. The National Weather Service says the region may witness something it has seen in a while over the weekend: daily rain.

According to weather service forecasters, Friday’s anticipated partly cloudy skies should darken as the day goes on. While the high is expected to reach the low- to mid-90s, forecasters say there’s about a 30 percent chance of showers in much of the region. Storm chances are expected to stick around in the evening hours, but rain won’t cool things off much. The overnight low is forecast to only drop into the low- to mid-70s.

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Saturday is expected to start off with mostly sunny skies and a high again in the blistering low 90s. As the day moves on, however, forecasters say there’s a 50 percent chance of storms throughout the region. Rain chances linger throughout the evening hours, but are expected to diminish to about 30 percent. The overnight low should be a little cooler, in the mid-70s.

Sunday, too, is expected to start off with mostly sunny skies and a high in the low 90s. Rain chances move in during the afternoon hours at roughly 40 percent in much of the region. The chance for showers and possible thunderstorms is expected to stick around into the overnight hours when the low is expected to fall into the mid-70s.

Strong rain chances return to the forecast again on Monday to kick off the workweek. More showers and thunderstorms possible throughout the week with highs in the mid-to-upper 80s anticipated.

While forecasters don’t expect severe weather over the weekend, they have issued a few bits of advice about the thunderstorms that may roll into the area over the next few days. Friday’s storms may produce strong, gusty winds with the potential for small hail. Lightning is also a concern. Storms that crop up Saturday through Thursday also pose lightning and wind risks, forecasters say.

Boaters are being warned that winds on Gulf of Mexico waters may reach 20 knots Friday night. This could make conditions less than favorable for small crafter operators.

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

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