West central Florida is in the grip of a relentless heat wave, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a heat advisory that covers Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Bradenton, and surrounding areas. The advisory, in effect from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 15, 2025, comes as forecasters warn that high humidity will push the heat index—what it actually feels like outside—to a sweltering 109 degrees. According to the NWS Tampa Bay forecast, actual temperatures are expected to reach a high near 94°F, but the combination of soaring mercury and oppressive humidity could make even brief outdoor activities dangerous.
Residents are being urged to take the heat seriously. The NWS has advised people to “drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.” These precautions are not just for comfort—they’re a matter of public health, as heat-related illnesses can escalate quickly under such conditions. In fact, the advisory specifically highlights the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for those spending extended periods outdoors, the elderly, and young children.
But the heat is only part of the story. There’s a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms developing mainly after 2 p.m. on Friday, providing the possibility of sudden downpours to break up the oppressive sun. However, the NWS cautions that even with rain in the forecast, the air will remain stiflingly hot and sticky, and winds—starting south-southwest and shifting to north-northwest—will be calm or near calm, offering little relief. By tonight, temperatures are expected to dip only slightly, settling around 80°F with a 30 percent chance of rain before 9 p.m.
According to WFLA, the dangerous heat is not a one-day event but will persist through the weekend, with temperatures continuing to warm quickly each day into the mid-90s. “Excessive humidity has settled in and feels like temperatures will be up to 110° each afternoon,” WFLA meteorologists reported. They stressed the importance of staying hydrated and taking breaks from the heat over the next few days, as the risk of heat-related illness remains high.
The forecast for the weekend (August 16–17) offers little respite. Spotty showers and thunderstorms are expected to pop up each afternoon, generally beginning shortly after lunchtime and lingering into the early evening hours. The best chance for rain will be on Sunday and Monday, when more moisture is expected to move into the region. Even so, the pattern of high heat and humidity will continue, making outdoor plans a potential health hazard for residents and visitors alike.
Looking ahead to next week, temperatures will remain above average, but there is a glimmer of hope: humidity levels are expected to back off a bit, and rain chances will drop to a more typical 40 percent each afternoon. Still, the NWS and local meteorologists are urging vigilance, as even a slight decrease in humidity won’t be enough to fully counteract the ongoing heat wave.
While Tampa Bay residents sweat through another round of summer extremes, forecasters are also keeping a close eye on the tropics. The Atlantic hurricane season is showing signs of life, with two systems drawing attention. First, Invest 98L, currently in the western Gulf of Mexico, has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression as it drifts northwest. The National Hurricane Center says it could bring rain to southern Texas, but it poses no direct threat to Florida at this time.
More concerning for the broader region is Tropical Storm Erin, which is churning and slowly organizing in the central Atlantic. As of the 5 a.m. update on Friday, Erin remained a tropical storm, but it is forecast to become a hurricane later in the day and could strengthen into a major hurricane by the end of the weekend. The system is expected to pass north of the Caribbean islands, with a turn to the north likely before it approaches the Bahamas.
For Tampa Bay, Erin is not expected to have any direct impacts. However, forecasters warn that the east coast of the United States should prepare for high surf and strong rip currents next week as the storm’s influence is felt offshore. This serves as a reminder that even distant storms can have significant effects on coastal communities, particularly those with popular beaches and water-based recreation.
Officials in the Tampa Bay area are urging residents to remain vigilant and informed as the weekend approaches. The combination of extreme heat, high humidity, and the potential for sudden thunderstorms creates a hazardous environment for anyone spending time outdoors. The NWS’s advice to “check up on relatives and neighbors” is especially timely, as vulnerable populations are often hit hardest by heat waves.
Local authorities are also encouraging people to familiarize themselves with the signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. If someone exhibits these signs, it’s critical to move them to a cooler environment, provide fluids if possible, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
For those who must be outside—whether for work, exercise, or errands—experts recommend wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing, taking frequent breaks in the shade or indoors, and scheduling strenuous activities for the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening. Pets, too, need extra care during heat advisories, with plenty of water and limited exposure to hot pavement or direct sun.
Meanwhile, the active tropics underscore the need for hurricane preparedness, even as Florida’s west coast escapes the immediate path of current storms. The ongoing heat wave is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by Florida’s summer climate, where high temperatures, humidity, and the ever-present threat of severe weather demand constant attention and adaptation.
As the weekend unfolds, Tampa Bay residents are bracing not only for the heat but also for the unpredictable nature of summer storms. With meteorologists predicting little relief in the coming days, the message is clear: stay cool, stay safe, and keep an eye on the sky—and the latest weather updates.
