Born in Nottingham, England, Tempest started his career at Notts County when he was sixteen and was featured in the club's first team during pre-season. Tempest signed his first professional contract with the club the following year. Ahead of the 2012–13 season, Tempest was given number twenty-five shirt. On 9 November 2012, Tempest joined Ilkeston on a month loan and made his debut against United of Manchester. Tempest returned to his parent club after a stint at Ilkeston despite keen of extension. Upon his return, Tempest made his debut against Scunthorpe United coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute. After making three appearance in his first season, Tempest was offered a new contract by the club, which he signed a two-year contract weeks after being offered. The 2013–14 season saw Tempest make fourteen appearance for the club under the management of Chris Kiwomya and Shaun Derry. During the season, Tempest provided two assist: one was against Crewe Alexandra, in a 4–0 win on 5 October 2013 and another was against Oldham Athletic on 29 October 2013. On 26 September 2014, Tempest joined Boston Unitedon loan for a month. Tempest then had his loan at Boston United extended until 27 December 2014. Tempest made his return to his parent club after making fourteen appearance and scoring once against Lowestoft Town for Boston United. Shortly after, Tempest re-joined Boston United for the second time, until the end of the season. After five years at Notts County, Tempest was released by the club.
After leaving Notts County, Tempest joined Lincoln City on a one-year contract on 14 May 2015, just weeks after being released by the club. After being previously offered a new deal by Chris Moyses,Lincoln surprisingly released Tempest at the end of the 2015–16 season after new Lincoln Manager Danny Cowley took charge. Tempest made 22 appearances for the Imps
After being released by Lincoln City, Tempest joined Nuneaton Town. On 10 March 2017 Tempest joined Gainsborough Trinity on loan until the end of the 16/17 season. After picking up a serious knee injury, Tempest's season ended prematurely. Tempest made 26 appearances for Nuneaton and 5 loan appearances at Gainsborough.
Tempest left Basford United on 7 January 2019, and joined Matlock Town on 8 January 2019 where he teamed up again with former Gainsborough Trinity manager Dave Frecklington and his assistant Terry Fleming.
Grantham Town
On 23 May 2019, Grantham Town announced the signing of Tempest.
International career
Tempest was eligible to play for Northern Ireland through his late grandfather, Bill Corkhill, though he never met his grandfather. In May 2013, Tempest was called up by Northern Ireland U21. Tempest made his Northern Ireland U21 debut on 30 May 2013, in a 3–0 loss against Cyprus U21. His performance in a 1–0 win against Cyprus U21 on 19 November 2013 soon earned him 'Man of the Match'.
