As of 5:35 a.m. EDT Wednesday, May 20, 2026, skies over Tampa were clear and temperatures hovered near 74°F with sticky humidity already in place. The area is expected to heat up into the low 90s, and scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast to pop after about 4 p.m., with brief heavy downpours that could snag late-afternoon plans.
Afternoon Storms Could Be Strong
Scattered showers and thunderstorms are most likely during the late afternoon and early evening, with an area-wide chance near 30 percent. A few stronger cells may produce wind gusts of 40–50 mph and small hail, and short bursts of heavy rain could briefly knock down visibility during the evening commute, according to the National Weather Service Tampa Bay. East winds will stay light, around 5–6 mph, so storms will tend to bubble up inland and then drift toward the bay.
Tonight Into Early Thursday…