High Temps, Brutal Heat Index Values Forecast In Tampa Bay: NWS

TAMPA BAY, FL — High temperatures and heat index values (or "feels like" temperatures) as high as 104 degrees are forecast this weekend throughout the Tampa Bay area, according to forecasters with the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay.

This weekend, the heat will be brutal after record hot May temperatures. The average high temperature for May in the Tampa Bay area was 83 degrees, according to data collected from Tampa International Airport, WTSP reported. The historical average for May in the Tampa Bay area is about 75.8 degrees.

Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses, according to a warning from Alert Pinellas.

Pinellas County offers the following tips for heat safety:

• Never leave people or pets in a vehicle.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid high-energy activities or working outdoors during the hottest parts of the day, if possible.
• Check on family members, older adults, neighbors and pets.

The heat will usher in a week of heavy rain. About 3 to 6 inches of rain is expected across the Tampa Bay area, Denis Phillips, meteorologist for ABC7, posted to his Facebook page.

Here’s what’s expected for weekend weather in the region:

Tampa

In Tampa, temperatures hit a high of near 94 Friday afternoon with heat index values reaching 102, NWS said. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected before 8 p.m.

Saturday will be sunny and hot in Tampa with a high near 96 degrees and heat index values as high as 104. There’s a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m.

The area will see a high near 96 degrees with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. on Sunday, the agency said.

St. Petersburg

In St. Petersburg, temperatures reached a high near 92 degrees Friday afternoon with heat index values as high as 101,. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected before 8 p.m. with a low around 79 Friday night.

Saturday will be a sunny day with a high near 92 degrees and heat index values as high as 102, NWS said. There’s a 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11 a.m.

Sunday will see a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mostly after 2 p.m., and a high near 93, according to the agency.