Tampa, FL – Multiple weather alerts are active across the Tampa Bay region as a cold front brings high surf, dangerous rip currents, and chilly overnight temperatures through Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Ruskin.
A High Surf Advisory and Rip Current Statement remain in effect for Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties. Forecasters report waves of 2 to 7 feet and strong onshore currents through Tuesday evening, making swimming and surfing hazardous. Officials urge beachgoers to stay near lifeguards, avoid swimming in rough surf, and call for help if caught in a rip current.
Meanwhile, inland areas from Hernando to Polk and DeSoto counties fall under a Cold Weather Advisory from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, as temperatures dip into the mid-20s to low 30s, with wind chills near freezing. Prolonged exposure could cause hypothermia or frostbite, particularly for the elderly and unhoused.
Beachgoers and early-morning commuters should exercise caution, as conditions shift rapidly between coastal and inland zones. Residents are advised to wear warm layers, bring pets inside, and avoid using outdoor heating devices indoors.
