It’s still expected to bring 3 inches of rain to inland Hillsborough and 6inches of rain to coastal Pinellas, Manatee and Pasco counties through the weekend, said Christianne Pearce, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Ruskin office.<\/p>\n
By early next week, some areas could see up to 8 inches of rain.<\/p>\n
“From now until probably Tuesday, we’ll have this lingering moisture,” Pearce said. “So heavy rainfall obviously probably would lead to some urban low-lying areas getting some street flooding.”<\/p>\n
Pinellas County issued a weather alert early Friday warning residents of potential flash flooding.<\/p>\n
Showers and storms are expected to linger in the Gulf through Friday morning before moving inland later into the afternoon.<\/p>\n
A brief spell of dry air is expected to hinder rains Saturday before they start again Sunday.<\/p>\n
The forecast is good news for the region, which has been in an extreme drought since at least April.<\/a><\/p>\n The Tampa Bay area is missing 15 to 20 inches of rain so far this year. A half-foot of it over the weekend could help reduce that deficit.<\/p>\n “It’s definitely going to help. As far as like, completely getting rid of it? Not so much,” Pearce said. “We’d need like a whole month to help provide a ton of relief for the drought.”<\/p>\n The National Hurricane Center is also watching a tropical wave off the West African coast. Like the Gulf disturbance, it has low chances of forming in the next week.<\/p>\n The 2026 hurricane season has been quiet so far.<\/p>\n Colorado State University researchers predict less tropical activity than usual<\/a> this year: nine named storms, four hurricanes and one major hurricane.<\/p>\n Tropical Storm Arthur has been the only named storm to develop. The next name on the list is Bertha.<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Tampa Bay Times 2026 hurricane guide<\/p>\n The 2026 hurricane season is here. Here’s what the forecasts say<\/a><\/p>\n What is a ‘super El Ni\u00f1o’? And what does it mean for hurricanes in Florida?<\/a><\/p>\n What to know about river flooding in Tampa Bay this hurricane season<\/a><\/p>\n Hurricane forecasts are overwhelming. Here’s how to read them<\/a><\/p>\n What should you pack in your storm kit? Here’s where to start<\/a><\/p>\n Get Times storm alerts on all your devices<\/a><\/p>\n How Tampa Bay seniors, others can get help evacuating<\/a><\/p>\n How to handle fires, tree limbs and other hazards after a storm<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/tampa_bay_times_articles_917\/ac616bfdeae0a333a7c3331317f6a165.jpeg\"\/)
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