Tampa, Florida – An arctic chill is gripping west central Florida overnight, bringing wind chills in the teens and prompting urgent freeze warnings across several counties through 9 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Tampa Bay, a Freeze Warning is in place for Levy, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, and Sumter counties, with overnight lows ranging from 26° to 32°. A wider Cold Weather Advisory includes the greater Tampa Bay area, Lakeland, Sarasota, and Fort Myers due to frigid wind chills expected to fall between 18° and 34°.
The coldest conditions will be felt inland, with Chiefland dropping to 25° and a wind chill of just 17°. Crystal River, Brooksville, and The Villages could experience feels-like temps around 20° to 21°. Even Tampa and New Port Richey will feel close to freezing before sunrise.
Local emergency management officials are urging residents to bring pets indoors, wrap exposed pipes, and cover or move plants to warmer areas. Vulnerable residents without heat should seek shelter or community warming centers. Drivers should be cautious on bridges and overpasses, where slick spots may form.
The advisory is expected to expire mid-morning Tuesday, but additional alerts are possible if winds remain elevated.
