Fort Myers, Florida – Residents in inland Lee County have a narrow window to protect plants and pipes before temperatures fall to 31 degrees by 3 a.m. Tuesday, cold enough to trigger frost and localized freeze damage.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay Ruskin, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday, with wind chills dipping to 34 degrees in Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres. A Freeze Warning then takes effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, when actual air temperatures could reach 31 degrees. During that same period, a second Cold Weather Advisory will bring wind chills down to 27 degrees.
The coldest readings are expected away from the Caloosahatchee River and in rural parts of Lehigh Acres, where exposed irrigation lines and sensitive winter crops face the highest risk. Unprotected outdoor plumbing could freeze briefly before sunrise Tuesday.
Residents should cover tender vegetation, wrap exposed pipes and bring potted plants indoors before 3 a.m. Allowing faucets to drip slowly can help reduce the risk of bursting pipes.
Temperatures will rebound after 9 a.m. Tuesday, but additional advisories remain possible if clear skies and light winds persist into midweek.
