Scattered Storms in Tampa Bay’s Weekend Forecast

TAMPA BAY, FL — As the National Hurricane Center continues to keep a close eye on two tropical disturbances churning in the Atlantic Ocean, Tampa Bay area residents may find themselves in for a rainy weekend that has nothing to do with the severe weather formations.

According to the National Weather Service, scattered thunderstorms are likely in much of the region Friday. While storms might not arrive in some areas until the afternoon hours, parts of southern Pasco County were already experiencing rain and thunder just after 10 a.m.

Friday’s high is anticipated to reach about 92 degrees in much of the region with scattered storms sticking around into the evening hours. The overnight low should only drop into the upper 70s.

Saturday brings a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms developing mainly after 11 a.m., the weather service said. The day’s high should climb to the low 90s in much of the Bay area. Overnight, mostly cloudy conditions are expected followed by a 20 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms. Forecasters anticipate slightly cooler overnight conditions with a low around 77 degrees.

Sunday is expected to kick off with partly sunny conditions in the first part of the day. Isolated thunderstorms are anticipated to move in as the day continues with a 50 percent chance of scatter storms later in the afternoon hours. The day’s high is anticipated to reach about 92 degrees.

Storm chances persist at 30 percent heading into the overnight hours Sunday. The low should fall to the upper 70s.

While no widespread, organized severe weather is expected, forecasters do warn thunderstorms that develop could bring heavy local rain with them. Strong, gusty winds are also possible along with the chance for frequent lightning.

As for those tropical disturbances, they both have a chance of further development over the next few days. As of Friday morning, however, they remained too far out in the Atlantic Ocean to be an immediate threat to Florida or Tampa Bay.

For an extended forecast in your neighborhood, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

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