Tampa Bay Area Weekend, Solar Eclipse Forecast

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents and visitors hoping for a few dry days may seen their wishes materialize soon.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday’s sunny start should melt away with a high in the low- to mid-90s in much of the region. A 40 percent chance for “heavy rain” moves into the picture in the afternoon hours. Scattered storms are possible in the overnight hours when the low will drop into the upper 70s.

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The payoff for Friday’s strong chances for rain is expected to arrive on Saturday. Forecasters say mostly sunny conditions and a high in the low- to mid-90s are anticipated. While rain isn’t in the forecast, that doesn’t mean a few drops won’t fall in some parts of the region. Saturday night, in fact, does bring a 20 percent chance for isolated storms. The low is expected to fall again into the upper 70s.

The rain chances for the weekend are highest on Sunday. Forecasters say the day should start off with mostly cloudy conditions and a high around 90 degrees. There’s a 60 percent chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon hours. Storm chances remain strong heading into the overnight hours when the low should fall into the upper 70s.

• See also: Solar Eclipse 2017: Tampa Bay Area Schools Set Plans

Monday is the day the entire country has been anxiously awaiting. Aug. 21 marks the first time in decades a solar eclipse will be visible across the entire continental United States. While Florida isn’t in the path of the total eclipse, Sunshine State residents can expect a near-total eclipse to darken skies for several hours. The celestial event is expected to start around 1:15 p.m. and continue until about 4:15 p.m. It is estimated the Tampa Bay area will experience a 60 to 80 percent solar eclipse.

• See also: Get Your NASA-Approved Solar Eclipse Glasses Before It's Too Late

Forecasters say Monday should bring partly sunny conditions during most of the day. Thanks to drier air that has moved into the region, rain chances are almost non-existent. Forecasters do say a few drops may fall in parts of the region, but scattered storms are not likely. Folks who plan on being outside will find sticky conditions are likely though. Forecasters expect a high in the low 90s Monday.

Weather conditions aside, there are some precautions to consider when watching the eclipse. It is extremely dangerous to look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse. Doing so can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Protective eye glasses are strongly recommended. If eye concerns or the weather make watching the event outside impossible, people in the Tampa Bay area can view the eclipse via NASA’s live feed.

Find out where to watch the eclipse in Tampa Bay and Central Florida by checking out this story.

Image via Shuterstock