TAMPA BAY, Florida – The National Weather Service Tampa Bay forecasts scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms across the Tampa Bay region and Southwest Florida today, Friday, July 17, 2026. National Weather Service Tampa Bay Radar Loop for West Central and Southwest Florida An area of low pressure may form over the northeast Gulf of America this weekend and has a low chance (20%) of developing into a tropical system as it moves slowly near the southeast U.S. by early next week. It is too early to determine the extent of any impacts across west central and southwest Florida. Residents and visitors should monitor the forecast for updates. National Weather Service Tampa Bay graphic showing high temperatures and rain chances for West Central and Southwest Florida. Issued July 17, 2026 Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms with locally heavy rainfall possible. Stronger storms could produce gusty winds, small hail, and locally heavy rainfall that may cause flooding in urban, low-lying, and poor-drainage areas. Activity will diminish overnight, leaving partly to mostly cloudy skies. High temperatures today will range from the low-to-mid 90s across the region (Tampa area around 93°F, with readings up to 94°F near Chiefland). Heat index values are expected between 100° and 105°F. Rain chances are highest across much of the area at 70% (including Tampa Bay, Lakeland, Sebring, Sarasota, and Crystal River areas) and 60% near Fort Myers. Tampa Weather Forecast Today Scattered showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Heat index values as high as 102. North northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming west southwest in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 77. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday Showers and thunderstorms likely before 4pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 4pm and 5pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 100. South southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday Night Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. South wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Sunday Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 92. South southwest wind 9 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Sunday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78. South wind 5 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Monday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Monday Night Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tuesday Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 79. Wednesday Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 30%.