Bad weather expected this afternoon

Scattered thunderstorms with heavy rain, lightning and wind gusts of up to 35 mph are expected this afternoon in Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties

The bad weather is expected to last until 8 or 9 p.m. Storms are expected mainly along the coast, though they may sneak inland, said National Weather Service meteorologist Mike Cantin.

Some isolated spots may see more severe weather. Stronger storms could bring hail about three-quarters of an inch in size –- roughly the size of a penny or larger -– and wind of 60 mph or greater.

Wednesday and the rest of the week likely will face the same weather conditions.

“It’s getting into the typical summer-like pattern where you get storms along the sea breeze,” Cantin said.

--Mariana Minaya, Times staff writer