Memorial Day Weekend Weather: What to Expect

Tampa Bay area residents hoping for some fun in the sun and on the water over the long Memorial Day weekend are likely to find the weather cooperative, but it might be wise to schedule activities during the morning and early afternoon hours.

The National Weather Service is predicting a fairly high chance of showers and the potential for thunderstorms each afternoon throughout the holiday weekend. It also anticipates highs to break the 90-degree mark as summertime weather patterns start to take hold in the Bay area.

Friday kicks things off with a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours. The high should climb to about 93 with a low in the mid-70s.

Saturday delivers a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms mainly after 2 p.m. and a 60 percent chance in the evening hours. The high that day is also expected to reach about 93 in many parts of the region.

Sunday kicks off with a 50 percent chance for storms in the afternoon hours with a 30 percent chance heading into the evening. The high again should reach the lower 90s.

Memorial Day’s forecast is a near repeat of Sunday’s with scattered thunderstorms likely in the afternoon hours and a high around 91.

See Also:

• Sheriff: Be Careful on Bay Area Waters This Weekend
• Memorial Day 2015: Winn-Dixie, Publix Store Hours
• Sarasota Memorial Day Parade: Things to Know

While thunderstorms are par for the course during the afternoons this time of year, the National Weather Service warns they can deliver strong, gusty winds, heavy rain, hail and frequent deadly lightning strikes.

“Remember, if thunder is heard or lightning is observed, more indoors immediately,” forecasters urged in the agency’s Hazardous Weather Outlook report Friday.

Boaters, too, are warned that increasing winds could make for hazardous conditions for small craft operators “especially during the late night and early morning hours.”

Boaters, forecaster warn, “should exercise caution if planning any trips into the Gulf during the upcoming holiday weekend.”

For a complete look at Bay area weather, visit the National Weather Service online.

Image via Shutterstock

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