Tampa Bay is waking up to a muggy 93°F today, with scattered showers and thunderstorms rolling through the afternoon and a heat index climbing to 103 — plan outdoor time for before 9 AM ET or after the storms clear, and stay out of the Gulf given the high rip current risk.
Today’s Setup
The National Weather Service Tampa Bay office says we’re still on the eastern edge of Tropical Storm Bertha, parked about 140 miles south of Panama City and barely moving. That deep southerly flow is squeezing narrow bands of showers and isolated thunderstorms onto the coast, some capable of gusts near 40 mph right along the shoreline. Expect isolated storms before 9 AM ET, a more organized round of scattered showers and thunderstorms between 9 AM and 4 PM ET, then another isolated round wrapping up by 5 PM ET. Winds run south 5 to 14 mph with gusts to 24 mph, and new rainfall should stay light — a tenth to a quarter inch.
Best Window To Be Outside
Early morning, before 9 AM ET, is your best bet for a walk along Bayshore Boulevard or a paddle out of Fort De Soto before the midday storm bands fire up. Tonight turns partly cloudy with just a 7% rain chance and a low near 78°F — solid for the waterfront in downtown St. Pete. Wednesday looks even better: sunny, 94°F, and only a 9% rain chance as drier air pushes in behind Bertha.
Rain, Wind, Or Heat Risk
The NWS is flagging a high risk of dangerous rip currents and hazardous marine conditions along area beaches through today because of Bertha’s gusty south winds. Heat is the other headline, with heat index values up to 103 today and 104 Wednesday — limit strenuous outdoor work to early morning both days.
What To Wear Or Bring
Loose, breathable clothing and steady hydration are the move — an insulated tumbler 30oz keeps water cold through the heat. If gusts pick up near the coast, a bungee cord assortment is handy for securing patio gear, and a dehumidifier for home helps if muggy air seeps indoors between storm rounds.
Helpful Links
Heading to Benchmark International Arena tomorrow night, July 22, for Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire? Skies should be drier by then — grab tickets on SeatGeek and a Lionel Richie t-shirt or Lionel Richie hoodie before you go. The Tampa Bay Rays host the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field on July 24; since it’s a dome game, weather’s a non-issue, but a Tampa Bay Rays jersey or Tampa Bay Rays fitted cap still make a great gameday look — find tickets on StubHub. With drier air settling in midweek, it’s also a good stretch to catch up on yard work; the EGO Power+ Battery Deal on a 56V lithium battery is worth a look before mowing in the heat.
Meal Idea
With a heat index near 103, skip the stove — a cold Thai noodle salad, build-your-own wrap bar, or smoothie bowls made with a high-powered blender beat standing over a hot grill. Need ingredients? You can order groceries on Amazon and have everything for tonight’s dinner delivered to your door.
Next Few Days
Bertha pulls away Tuesday night into Wednesday, drier air holds through midweek with highs a few degrees above normal, and onshore flow returns by the weekend, shifting the best storm chances toward the interior.
