Brooksville, Florida – Set alarms early and protect pipes and plants now as wind chills fall to 25 degrees by 3 a.m. Monday across Florida’s Nature Coast, with a potential hard freeze looming late Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin, a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. EST Monday for Sumter, Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties. Wind chills are expected to dip into the mid-20s before sunrise, creating conditions that can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure. A Freeze Watch remains in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday morning, when temperatures could drop as low as 26 degrees. Forecasters warn a hard freeze is possible in some inland communities.
Inland areas such as Bushnell, Brooksville, Inverness and The Villages are most at risk for sub-freezing temperatures late Monday night. Along the coast, including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Hernando Beach, readings will hover near freezing with patchy frost possible.
Residents should cover sensitive plants, insulate exposed outdoor pipes and bring pets indoors. Dress in layers, including hats and gloves, if heading out before 10 a.m. Monday.
Additional alerts could be issued if colder air settles deeper into west central Florida ahead of Tuesday morning.
