Florida – Cold air presses into Tampa Bay this morning, sharp and unfamiliar, rattling palms and stinging exposed skin. Breath hangs briefly in the air. Sidewalks feel cold underfoot as temperatures dip into the upper 30s, with wind chills sinking into the 20s before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay–Ruskin, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, and surrounding counties through mid-morning, with another advisory set to follow late tonight into Thursday morning. Wind chills as low as 27 to 28 degrees are possible, cold enough to pose a hypothermia risk with prolonged exposure.
In Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, the cold arrives alongside steady north winds. Outdoor workers, early commuters, and school drop-offs face the harshest conditions. Officials urge residents to dress in layers, limit time outside, and bring pets indoors. This is not typical Florida cold, and the body loses heat faster in these conditions.
By afternoon, sunshine helps temperatures rebound into the upper 50s and near 60, offering brief relief. The chill returns again tonight, especially inland, before a more noticeable warm-up begins Thursday afternoon. Friday turns milder, with highs near 70 and calmer winds.
Looking toward the weekend, rain chances increase late Friday into Saturday as a system approaches from the Gulf. Gusty winds may follow Saturday night, reinforcing a cooler feel even as temperatures moderate.
Nationally, Arctic air continues to dominate much of the eastern U.S., while the Great Lakes remain heavily iced over, helping lock cold air in place. Tampa Bay sits on the southern edge of that grip, but the impacts are real.
Five-Day Outlook for Tampa Bay, Florida
Today: Sunny, breezy, high near 60
Tonight: Clear, cold, low near 37
Thursday: Sunny, high near 66
Friday: Mostly sunny, high near 69
Saturday: Showers possible, breezy, high near 59
