TAMPA, Fla. – You will need to keep your heavy winter coat handy for the entire week. The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay has issued serious warnings for our area, and the forecast shows a roller coaster of freezing temperatures, rain, and blustery winds lasting right through the weekend.
The immediate concern is the dangerous cold. A Freeze Warning is in effect until 9 a.m. this morning, but the relief will be short. Forecasters have issued another Freeze Warning starting at midnight tonight. It lasts until 9 a.m. Wednesday.
During this time, temperatures could plummet to 26 or 27 degrees. This deep freeze impacts residents in Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, and Levy counties. If you live in places like The Villages, Spring Hill, or Zephyrhills, expect a very icy start to your Wednesday.
It is important to take action now. These temperatures are low enough to kill sensitive crops and plants, so cover them up. You also need to protect outdoor plumbing. Wrap your pipes or let faucets drip slowly to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
READ: Florida Freeze Warning: Why Your Morning Commute Could Turn Into A Nightmare
The weather stays active as we head toward the weekend.
Thursday will see some morning frost before warming up to 63 degrees. Friday is the warmest day with a high near 66, but it brings rain. Showers are likely Friday night and will stick around into Saturday morning.
Once the rain clears on Saturday, the cold air rushes back in with force. Saturday will be windy, with gusts up to 26 mph, and the high will only reach 53.
By Saturday night, temperatures will crash back down to around 28 degrees. Sunday looks sunny but stays very cold, with a high of just 46 degrees. Sunday night will be freezing again with a low near 28, meaning we won’t really thaw out until early next week.
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