Tampa Weather Forecast: Afternoon Storms and Hurricane Aaron Update

Sunday Afternoon Storms

• ⛈️ Expect hit-or-miss thunderstorms to pop up this afternoon and evening, with about 50% coverage across the Tampa Bay area.
• 💧 These storms have the potential for locally heavy rain due to slow-moving showers and thunderstorms, especially after lunchtime and into the evening.
• ⚠️ A one out of four risk for excessive rain is in effect for much of Florida, with potential for localized flooding.

Current Temperatures and Heat Index

• 🌡️ Current temperatures are in the upper 70s, with some spots like Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Pete reaching 82°F.
• 🔥 Heat index values are expected to reach up to 100-105°F during the peak heating of the afternoon due to high humidity.
• 🌃 Temperatures will fall to the mid and upper 70s in the evening hours.

Hurricane Aaron Update

• 🌀 Hurricane Aaron has undergone rapid intensification, going from a Category 1 to a Category 5 hurricane.
• 📉 While there has been some weakening, the storm is consolidated with tropical storm-force winds extending only about 30 miles out.
• 🗺️ Hurricane Aaron is expected to pass north of Puerto Rico and outside Turks and Caicos, wavering between Category 3 and 4 strength.
• 🌊 The storm is forecast to curve back out to sea after passing the east coast of Florida and near Bermuda, with main impacts being high surf and swells along the Atlantic coast.

Tropical Storm Force Winds

• 💨 Tropical storm force winds are currently extending only about 30 miles from the center of Hurricane Aaron.
• 🏝️ The storm is not likely to make any direct hits on islands, passing north of Puerto Rico and outside Turks and Caicos.

Extended Forecast

• ☀️ By the middle of the week, drier air associated with the backside of Hurricane Aaron is expected to move in, leading to fewer thunderstorms.
• 📈 Mid-90s temperatures are expected to continue with the heat remaining a factor.