Tampa–St. Petersburg is in for a scorching Friday, May 22, with a high near 94°F under mostly sunny skies and a heat index climbing as high as 98°F this afternoon. If you’ve got plans at Clearwater Beach or along the St. Pete Riverwalk, get out early — storms will build by evening and could pack a punch.
Today’s Setup
High pressure over the western Atlantic is keeping the region in a warm south-southeast flow around 6 mph. The National Weather Service says the sea breeze boundary will push inland 20 to 40 miles each afternoon, triggering scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms — mainly between 3 PM and midnight ET. Some of those storms could produce wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph and small hail, so don’t get caught out on Tampa Bay or at a waterfront patio after midday. Drought conditions continue across most of the area, making the heat feel even heavier than the numbers suggest.
Best Window To Be Outside
Mornings are your friend. Plan outdoor activity before noon, then retreat to the AC as the storm threat climbs. Tonight’s storms are most likely between 8 PM and 1 AM ET, with a 33% rain chance — skies clear after midnight.
Heading out to the Electric Callboy: TANZNEID WORLD TOUR tonight at Yuengling Center? Pull up the radar before you leave — storms could be active right around showtime. A pair of men’s sport sandals is fine for the venue, but toss a dry pair of shoes in the car just in case.
Heat Risk
A feels-like temperature near 98°F demands real respect. Drink water before you’re thirsty, take shade breaks, and limit strenuous outdoor work to the early hours. An insulated tumbler 30oz will keep your ice water cold for hours on the Pinellas Trail or at the park. Kids are especially vulnerable — a kiddie splash pad in the backyard is a smart call for an afternoon like this.
Weekend and Upcoming Events
Saturday (May 23) is nearly a carbon copy: high near 93°F, heat index up to 99°F, and storm chances at 40% in the afternoon climbing to 45% Saturday night. Plan beach time before noon and treat afternoon plans as flexible.
Dave Matthews Band hits the outdoor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds on Tuesday, May 26. Outdoor venue, late-May Florida weather — keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer. Lock in your spot now with tickets on SeatGeek, and grab a Dave Matthews Band t-shirt or Dave Matthews Band hat to complete the look.
The Tampa Bay Rays host the Los Angeles Angels at Tropicana Field on May 29 — that one’s indoors, so no weather worries. Plenty of time to check the Tampa weather forecast before then.
Too Hot to Cook? Try This
Skip the oven entirely tonight. Smoothie bowls, cold Thai noodle salad, or a build-your-own wrap bar are all perfect for 94-degree weather. A high-powered blender makes smoothie bowls in under two minutes. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Expect the same pattern — lower 90s, late-afternoon and evening storms — straight through Memorial Day weekend. The National Weather Service notes a potential pattern shift mid-next-week as winds shift onshore from the west, which may push the heaviest storm activity toward the interior. Stay current at Tampa weather forecast and browse outdoor gear deals if you’re stocking up for the holiday.
