FL Memorial Day Weekend Forecast: Hot With Scattered Thunderstorms

FLORIDA ? This Memorial Day weekend, Floridians may want to keep the bottled water, portable fans and umbrellas handy.

While summer doesn't officially start until June 21, in Florida it will certainly feel like it with highs above 90 degrees expected over the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

Scattered showers and thunderstorms primarily in the afternoons during the three-day weekend may offer some relief from the scorching temperatures. The Tampa region has the best chance of rain ? 50 percent ? on Monday, Memorial Day.

The National Weather Service says Friday through Sunday should be mostly in the Tampa Bay area, with a few chances for spotty showers and highs in the low 90s each day.

On the other hand, the rainy weather could throw a wrench into the plans of some Floridians looking to escape their home following two years of coronavirus-related lockdowns and restrictions, Accuweather reports. Nationwide, more than 39 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles from home this holiday weekend, according to the auto club and insurance company AAA.

?Based on our projections, summer travel isn?t just heating up, it will be on fire," Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, told Accuweather. "People are overdue for a vacation, and they are looking to catch up on some much-needed R&R in the coming months.?

Much of the South, however, will finish the holiday weekend with dry and hot conditions, The Weather Channel reports. Florida's Peninsula is expected to have a few pop-up storms, which is typical this time of year.

AccuWeather calls for spotty showers in the afternoons over the holiday weekend, but nothing to ruin outdoor plans.

Here's how the Memorial Day weekend is shaping up so far for Florida, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday

Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms with partly sunny skies, with a high near 90. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent. That night, expect scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 to 3 a.m. Expect partly cloudy skies, with a low around 74. The chance of precipitation is 30 percent in the Tampa area, 50 percent in south Florida.

Saturday

Scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m. Sunny, with a high near 90. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent in the Tampa area and south Florida. Saturday night could bring more spotty showers before 8 p.m., then isolated showers and thunderstorms after 2 a.m. Mostly clear, with a low around 71.

Sunday

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected before 9 a.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 3 p.m. Expect sunny skies, with a high near 92 degrees across much of the state. The chance of precipitation is 40 percent. That night, more stormy weather is in the forecast, mainly before 9 p.m. Partly cloudy skies, with a low around 72 degrees expected. The chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Monday (Memorial Day)

Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. Mostly sunny skies are in the forecast, with a high near 92 degrees. The chance of precipitation is 50 percent for day and night.