Tampa Bay, Florida – A Frost Advisory is in effect early Wednesday morning for portions of inland west central Florida, where temperatures near freezing may lead to frost formation and potential damage to sensitive vegetation.
According to the National Weather Service office in Tampa Bay/Ruskin, the advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. EST Wednesday. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop to around 33 degrees, creating conditions favorable for frost development.
The advisory covers Inland Citrus, Inland Hernando, Inland Levy, and Sumter counties. Communities included in the advisory area include Inverness, Brooksville, Spring Hill, Bushnell, Wildwood, The Villages, Lake Panasoffkee, Williston, Bronson, Chiefland, and Brooksville.
Frost formation can occur when temperatures fall near freezing under clear or partly clear skies with light winds. The National Weather Service warns that frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation, and unprotected tender plants may be damaged or killed if left exposed during the advisory period.
While widespread hard freezes are not expected, even brief frost conditions can impact gardens, ornamental plants, and agricultural interests in inland areas. Residents are urged to take steps now to protect tender plants, including covering vegetation or moving potted plants indoors overnight.
Travel impacts are not expected; however, residents in rural and inland locations should be aware that colder pockets may experience more pronounced frost. Conditions are expected to improve after sunrise Wednesday as temperatures rise and frost melts.
The National Weather Service will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if the advisory area or timing changes. Residents should check local forecasts for location-specific temperature details.
