TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – We soared well into the low 90s this afternoon, now storms are firing up and drifting northwestward across our area. Expect a round or two of evening storms to push through. Heavy downpours are possible. Overnight we expect partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid 70s.
Tropical Storm Elsa will clear Cuba late tonight and enter the Gulf. The path of Elsa has shifted slightly westward, and any further shifts to the west would improve our forecast.
Widespread rainfall totals of 3-4 inches are possible Tuesday and Wednesday as Elsa passes. This rain combined with the heavy downpours in the last few weeks may create flooding problems and even trees that fall due to the soggy ground. A Flood Watch is in effect through Wednesday morning.
Elsa will also create coastal flooding with higher than normal tides. A Storm Surge Warning is in place for our entire coastline. The worst of the storm surge is expected early Wednesday morning and could be highest in Hernando and Citrus counties.
Elsa finally makes it north of us Wednesday night, and our weather pattern returns to normal again for the end of the week. The weather will improve during the day on Wednesday, we expect a relatively dry Wednesday night. t
Thursday will be hot, with only isolated chances for an afternoon shower.
Friday and into the weekend, we expect average temperatures topping out in the low 90s and scattered afternoon showers and thunderstorms.
