Sticky Weather In Tampa Bay's Weekend Forecast

Sunshine and blue skies will dominate the weekend, but thunderstorms are also possible mainly in the afternoon hours. Patch file photo

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents with big weekend plans should find the weather most cooperative, but that doesn’t mean a little rain won’t fall.

According to the National Weather Service, scattered afternoon thunderstorms are possible this weekend and during much of the upcoming workweek. While the storms may signal a return to normal summertime weather for the region, they shouldn’t be taken with a grain of salt.

“These storms will be capable of producing gusty winds, locally heavy rainfall and dangerous lightning strikes,” the service wrote in its Hazardous Weather Outlook report on Friday.

While thunderstorms might darken afternoon skies for short periods, the rest of the weekend is shaping up to be fairly nice. With an 89 percent humidity level expected on Friday, however, folks should be prepared for some sticky weather ahead.

Aside from afternoon storm potential, Friday is expected to be a mostly sunny day with a high in the upper 80s. The overnight low should drop to the low 70s. Keep in mind, those in coastal areas may experience slightly cooler conditions.

As of Friday, forecasters anticipated Saturday to deliver mostly sunny conditions again. The day’s high will climb to about 90 degrees in much of the region with an overnight low in the upper 60s. Sunday is anticipated to bring similar conditions with slightly higher temperatures. Rain chances are mostly non-existent on Sunday, according to Weather.com.

The workweek is expected to kick off with a rather steamy Monday. The day’s high should reach the low 90s. Greater storm chances roll in as the workweek continues.

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