TAMPA, Fla. — Residents across West Central and Southwest Florida should prepare for a sharp drop in temperatures tonight as a Canadian high-pressure system builds over the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Ruskin has issued a Cold Weather Advisory effective from midnight Tuesday night until 9 a.m. Wednesday, warning of bone-chilling conditions just before the New Year.
The incoming air mass is bringing significantly colder and drier air, sending temperatures plummeting well below average. Lows tonight are expected to range from 28 degrees across the Nature Coast to around 40 degrees in southern counties. While coastal areas will remain slightly warmer, gusty north winds will make it feel much colder.
According to the NWS, wind chill values—the temperature it actually feels like on exposed skin—are forecast to drop into the mid-20s in northern areas, the upper 20s in central Florida, and the lower 30s to the south.
READ: Freeze Warning: St. Petersburg Opens Shelters And Waives Bus Fares For Tuesday Night
Specific alerts have been issued to help residents prepare:
- Cold Weather Advisory: In effect for most of the region, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, and Pasco counties.
- Freeze Watch: In effect for Wednesday morning for Levy, Citrus, Sumter, and Hernando counties, where temperatures could drop low enough to damage crops and plumbing.
New Year’s Forecast
The cold snap will stick around for the holiday. Wednesday will see sunny skies but a high of only 58 degrees, with wind chills starting as low as 29 degrees in the morning.
For New Year’s Eve celebrations Wednesday night, revelers should bundle up. The forecast calls for clear skies and a low around 39 degrees. By New Year’s Day morning, patchy frost is possible before 8 a.m., though the day will eventually warm to a pleasant 66 degrees.
Safety Precautions
Officials are urging the public to take precautions immediately. The severe wind chills can be dangerous for those not dressed appropriately. Residents are advised to wear layers, hats, and gloves if they must be outside.
Pet owners should bring animals indoors. The NWS explicitly warns that the expected low temperatures and wind chills could also damage cold-sensitive vegetation, so covering plants is recommended.
Weekend Warm-Up
The deep freeze will be short-lived. By Friday, highs will climb back into the low 70s. The next chance for rain arrives Saturday afternoon, with a 30 percent chance of showers and highs reaching 74 degrees.
Current Tampa Bay Area Forecast:
- Tonight: Mostly clear, low around 33. North wind around 6 mph.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high near 58. Wind chill values as low as 29 early.
- Wednesday Night: Clear, low around 39. Patchy frost after 3 a.m.
- New Year’s Day: Sunny, high near 66. Patchy frost early.
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