Florida – Breath shows briefly in the air across Tampa Bay this morning as an unusual chill settles in to close out 2025. Jackets come out, pets linger indoors, and cold wind slips across bridges and open neighborhoods before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay–Ruskin, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning. Wind chills dip as low as 27 degrees across parts of Hillsborough, Pinellas, and surrounding counties. While air temperatures stay mainly in the upper 30s to low 40s, brisk north winds make it feel colder.
In Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Brandon, residents should protect cold-sensitive plants and limit time outdoors early. Drivers on I-275, I-4, and the Howard Frankland Bridge may notice sharper crosswinds during the morning commute. Widespread travel issues are not expected, but the cold can surprise early travelers.
Conditions improve quickly later today. Sunshine dominates, and temperatures rebound into the upper 50s by afternoon. Winds ease by evening, setting up a calmer night with lows in the mid-40s. Any lingering cold stress fades fast.
New Year’s Day marks a clear turning point. Skies stay sunny, and highs climb into the upper 60s, delivering a much milder start to 2026. By Friday, west central Florida warms further, with highs near 72 and light winds ideal for travel and outdoor plans.
The first weekend of 2026 trends warm and mostly dry. Saturday reaches the mid-70s with increasing clouds and a small rain chance late. Sunday stays warm and brighter, keeping winter firmly in the background.
Dress in layers this morning, then plan for sunglasses later. Florida’s cold snap is brief but memorable. How cold did it feel where you live today?
Five-Day Outlook for Tampa Bay, FL
- Today: Sunny after a cold start. High near 60°F.
- New Year’s Day: Sunny and warmer. High near 68°F.
- Friday: Mostly sunny. High near 72°F.
- Saturday: Mostly sunny, chance of showers late. High near 75°F.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 75°F.
