Strong Winds, Heavy Rain, Flooding Risk: Tampa Bay’s Forecast

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors hoping for a day or two to dry out after the past week of rain aren’t likely to see their wishes granted in the week ahead. Forecasters at the National Weather Service say the region is in for heavy rain and may face localized flooding in some areas.

Monday is expected to kick the workweek off with a 70 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms during the daytime hours. The day’s high is forecast to climb to the upper 80s despite those rain chances. Strong storm chances are anticipated to stick around into the overnight hours when the low should fall into the mid-70s.

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Forecasters say some of Monday’s storms may be strong ones. Those that are strong “will be capable of wind gusts of 40 to 45 mph, frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, and locally heavy rain,” forecasters wrote in Monday’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report.

The weather service is warning that conditions are favorable for urban street flooding in some areas. Flooding in low-lying areas is also possible. Small craft operators are being warned to take care on waters from Bonita Beach to Tarpon Springs. Wind speeds of up to 33 knots are possible, forecasters say.

Heavy rain is also in the forecast for Tuesday, with storms expected to creep in during the afternoon hours. The day’s high may climb into the upper 80s to low 90s in much of the region. Scattered thunderstorms and a low in the upper 70s are expected overnight Tuesday.

Storms on Wednesday may arrive on the scene a little earlier in the day. The weather service anticipates a 50 percent chance of rain in much of the region, mainly after 8 a.m. Partly cloudy conditions, however, are possible once those storms move on. The day’s high is forecast to reach the upper 80s. Storm chances remain heading into the overnight hours with a low in the upper 70s anticipated.

Scattered storms also play strong roles in the forecast for Thursday and Friday. The weather service expects both days to deliver highs in the low 90s. Rain is possible both nights with lows in the upper 70s forecast.

With strong rain chances likely throughout the week, forecasters say flooding potential will remain daily. Small craft operators are also being warned that Monday’s windy conditions could very well stick around through much of the week. As the week progresses, river flooding may also be a concern.

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

Patch file photo