Tampa Bay Storm Chances Rise As Easter Weekend Nears

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area residents who have been enjoying the sunshine and cooler temperatures over the past few days will have to say goodbye to both as the weekend nears.

According to the National Weather Service, rain chances increase heading into the afternoon hours Thursday and they’ll stick around throughout most of the upcoming Easter weekend.

The weather service anticipates a 30 percent chance of storms in the afternoon hours Thursday with a 50 percent chance overnight. The daytime high should break the 80-degree mark with an overnight low near 70. While severe weather isn’t anticipated with Thursday’s storms, forecasters do warn some areas, especially those inland, may experience thunderstorms that will be capable of producing locally heavy rain, strong winds and frequent lightning strikes.

Rain persists in the forecast heading into Friday. There’s a 60 percent chance for more showers and storms during the daytime hours and a 40 percent chance overnight. Forecasters once again warn that some storms may produce strong winds, heavy rain and lightning strikes. The day’s high is expected to climb to about 80 with an overnight low near 70 degrees.

Rain chances remain in the Tampa Bay area forecast throughout the weekend. The weather is expected to clear by Tuesday evening.

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

Image via Shutterstock