TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- The tornado watches issued for Hernando and Pasco counties have been canceled, according to the National Weather Service.

The Severe Thunderstorm Watch for Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties has expired.

Be prepared for a line of strong storms to push south through the Tampa Bay area today. Most likely timing starts around midday for northern areas then passes over I-4 in the middle of the afternoon. The line weakens slightly as it heads farther south by the early evening.

Along with heavy downpours, some strong, damaging wind gusts are likely. The potential for an isolated tornado or even some small hail exists as well. Most of the area is under a slight risk of severe weather (2 out of 5),

Behind the front, it slowly clears out tonight as cooler air arrives. Highs on Thursday will only be in the low 70s, which is well below average. Plus there will be a cool breeze all day.

The cool and dry air sticks around for Friday and the weekend.

We stay rain-free through the first half of next week as temperatures gradually climb back above average.

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