Brooksville, Florida – Temperatures across Florida’s Nature Coast will drop to 26 degrees by 3 a.m. Tuesday, cold enough to freeze exposed pipes and damage sensitive crops before sunrise.
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 26 degrees in parts of Citrus, Hernando, Levy and Sumter counties. A Freeze Warning then takes effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, when actual air temperatures could fall to 26 degrees. A second Cold Weather Advisory during that same period will push wind chills as low as 22 degrees.
Communities including Brooksville, Spring Hill, Crystal River, Inverness, Bushnell, The Villages, Cedar Key and Chiefland face the greatest risk. Inland areas away from the immediate Gulf shoreline are more likely to see prolonged freezing temperatures, especially in rural and low-lying spots.
Residents should cover tender plants, wrap exposed outdoor plumbing and bring potted vegetation indoors before 3 a.m. Allowing faucets to drip slowly can reduce the risk of burst pipes.
Temperatures will rise above freezing after 9 a.m. Tuesday, but additional advisories remain possible if clear skies continue into midweek.
