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, Saturday, July 18, 2026. National Weather Service Tampa Bay Radar Loop for West Central Florida and Southwest Florida An area of low pressure may form over the northeast Gulf of America this weekend and has a low chance (30%) 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 18, 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 91–93°F, with readings up to the mid-90s near Chiefland). Heat index values are expected between 100° and 105°F. Rain chances are generally 40–70% across the area, with the highest chances (60–70%) across much of west central and southwest Florida, including Tampa Bay, Lakeland, Sarasota, and Fort Myers areas. Tampa Weather Forecast Today (Sat, Jul 18) Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 92–93°F. Heat index values as high as 102–105°F. Chance of precipitation is 60–70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible in heavier storms. Tonight Scattered showers and thunderstorms early, then gradually becoming mostly clear. Low around 77°F. Chance of precipitation is 40–50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Sunday Showers and thunderstorms likely. High near 92°F. Heat index values as high as 100–105°F. Chance of precipitation is 70–80%. Sunday Night Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm, mainly before 8pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 78°F. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Monday Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Partly sunny, with a high near 93°F. Southwest wind 8 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Monday Night Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79°F. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tuesday Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94°F. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Tuesday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 79°F. Wednesday Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 95°F. Chance of precipitation is 30%.