Tampa, Florida – West Central Florida residents should brace for an unseasonably cold start Tuesday as subfreezing temperatures and biting wind chills sweep through the region, triggering Freeze Warnings and Cold Weather Advisories until 9 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, a Freeze Warning is in effect for Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and Sumter counties, where overnight lows could plunge into the mid to upper 20s. A broader Cold Weather Advisory spans much of west-central and southwest Florida, including Tampa, Lakeland, Sarasota, and Fort Myers, due to wind chills expected to dip as low as 18°F in some inland areas.
Chiefland is forecast to hit a low of 25°, with a dangerous wind chill of just 17°. Tampa and Lakeland could feel like the upper 20s by sunrise, while areas like Brooksville and Crystal River will flirt with freezing temperatures and wind chills near 21°.
Officials urge residents to take immediate precautions to protect people, pets, plants, and exposed pipes. Stay indoors if possible, bring pets inside, and cover sensitive vegetation. Those needing to travel early should dress in layers and watch for icy patches, especially on bridges.
Cold weather advisories remain active through Tuesday morning, with a slow warming trend expected midweek.
