Thunderstorms, Hot Temps In FL 4th Of July Weekend Forecast

FLORIDA — Typical summer weather in Florida is how forecasters describe what to expect this Fourth of July weekend. So keep an eye out for lightning and scattered thunderstorms, but there is also plenty of sun forecast for Sunday and Independence Day.

High temperatures will be seasonal in the Tampa area, reaching the low- to mid-90s through the holiday weekend. Nearly every day in the seven-day forecast call for rain at times, according to the National Weather Service, but the holiday won't be a washout.

From Friday through Monday there is a 60 percent chance of showers, which continues through next week, the NWS said.

The agency's Tampa office reminded residents Friday that it's lightning season in Florida.

"There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm," the NWS said. "Just remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors."

There is little you can do to substantially reduce your risk if you are outside in a thunderstorm. The only completely safe action is to get inside a safe building or vehicle.

If you cannot get to safety, you can slightly lessen the threat of being struck by lightning, the Weather Service said, by following these tips.

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
• If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember, a tent offers no protection from lighting.
• Stay away from water and wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three areas of disturbed weather in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. "The good news for Florida is that none of these pose a threat to the area over the coming week," the weather service said.

A cold front is likely to bring thunderstorms to the Gulf of Mexico region late in the week, said AccuWeather.

Weak disturbances roaming about these areas can enhance the thunderstorms from time to time, in which case the chance of localized flash flooding can increase, along with isolated strong wind gusts that can break tree limbs and lead to sporadic power outages. Cities at risk for locally heavy, gusty thunderstorms include Atlanta, New Orleans, Orlando and Houston.

"People who will be spending time outdoors over the holiday weekend are encouraged to monitor the weather for changing conditions and move indoors or seek shelter in a hard-top vehicle at the first rumble of thunder," AccuWeather said.

In the Miami metro, the National Weather Service predicts a 30 to 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms daily from Saturday through July 4. Highs will be in the low- to upper 80s each day.

Here's the latest Tampa By forecast via the National Weather Service:

Friday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind around 8 mph becoming west southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Friday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Northeast wind around 6 mph becoming southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 105. Southeast wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Saturday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then isolated showers and thunderstorms between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. North northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming east southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday: Isolated showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 2pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Southeast wind around 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east southeast after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Independence Day: Isolated showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. East southeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. East southeast wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tuesday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. East southeast wind around 8 mph becoming south southwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 60%.