Weekend Weather: Scattered Thunderstorms Likely

Tampa Bay, FL — Tampa Bay area residents hoping for sunshine and blue skies this weekend might get their wish granted. But, forecasters say they may also have to endure some scattered thunderstorms along the way.

According to the National Weather Service, Friday kicks things off with an anticipated high near 90 and a 50 percent chance of scattered thunderstorms in the late morning and early afternoon hours. While that high temperature is only expected to climb near 90 degrees, the heat index could reach 98.

Storm chances continue into the evening hours Friday, as well. There’s a 40 percent chance of storms forecast in much of the region with a low in the mid-70s.

Scattered thunderstorms are also in the cards heading into Saturday. There’s a 40 percent chance of storms forecast mainly after 11 a.m. The good news is partly sunny conditions are also possible with a high near 90 once again. Storm chances drop to 20 percent overnight Saturday when the low should fall to about 75 degrees.

Sunday is expected to be a steamy day with a high around 91 degrees in much of the region. Storm chances are set at 30 percent, mainly after 2 p.m. Those storm chances linger at 30 percent heading into the night time hours with a low in the mid-70s is expected.

While severe weather isn’t anticipated over the weekend, forecasters do warn that thunderstorms could bring locally heavy rain, lightning strikes and strong winds with them. Flooding also remains a concern along the Alafia River at Lithia, the Little Manatee River at Wimauma and the Peace River in Bartow. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to keep an eye on water levels.

Monday is expected to usher in the work week with a 30 percent chance of scattered storms and a high in the low 90s.

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