Thunderstorms, Hail, Heavy Rain for Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida

TAMPA BAY, Florida – The National Weather Service Tampa Bay forecasts scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms developing by mid-afternoon today, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and continuing through after sunset this evening across west central and southwest Florida. Best chances for rain will be from Tampa southward.

A few of these storms may be strong, with gusty winds and small hail possible.

High temperatures will climb into the low-to-mid 90s inland (upper 80s near the coast) with heat index values as high as 98 possible. Moisture will remain elevated into Wednesday, with a continued chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially across the southern and interior portions of the region.

Weather Outlook

The National Weather Service (NWS) Tampa Bay has issued updated forecast maps showing scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms developing this afternoon and evening.

The potential hazards include gusty winds, small hail, lightning, and locally heavy rainfall.

The forecast covers areas such as Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Fort Myers, and northward toward the Nature Coast. Highest temperatures today will be in the interior; rain chances will be highest during the afternoon and evening hours, especially from Tampa south and westward.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to become scattered to numerous during the afternoon and evening hours today.