Rain and thunderstorms expected Thursday across Tampa Bay
TAMPA, Florida — Thursday, July 17, begins hot and humid across the Tampa Bay region, with a 60% chance of scattered showers and storms developing by late afternoon and into the evening, according to FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg. The heat index is expected to climb past 100°F (38°C) in many inland areas and could even approach triple digits along the coast.
Humidity will remain high throughout the day, adding to the discomfort as temperatures soar into the low to mid-90s°F (33–35°C). Once storms push through during the evening hours, the risk of rain will begin to ease.
“After this rain moves through, our rain chances are going to drop,” said Osterberg. By Friday, storm coverage will decrease to about 30%, making room for increased sunshine—and even higher temperatures.
Hot weekend ahead for Tampa Bay
Heading into Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, rain chances stay relatively low, hovering around 30%, allowing for more sunshine and rising daytime highs, especially in urban areas like Tampa and St. Petersburg. Afternoon temperatures will likely climb into the mid-90s°F (35°C), and feels-like readings could push closer to 105°F (40°C) at times.
While the air may feel slightly drier at times due to less storm activity, the overall weather pattern continues to favor intense afternoon heat, especially in inland zones such as Brandon, Riverview, and Wesley Chapel.
Watching the tropics: Invest 93L weakens near Louisiana
The system formerly responsible for heavy rainfall earlier this week in Florida’s Gulf Coast, Invest 93L, has shifted west along the Gulf of Mexico and is now bringing torrential rain to Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center has downgraded its development chances to 30%, due to its ongoing interaction with land.
Despite lower chances of tropical development, flash flooding and heavy downpours remain possible across southern Louisiana and portions of Mississippi. The storm’s remnants could continue to influence weather patterns across the central Gulf Coast through the weekend.
