FLORIDA — A Freeze Watch has been issued for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning across much of the Tampa Bay region, with forecast temperatures in some inland areas potentially dropping as low as 29°F. In addition, a Cold Weather Advisory has been posted for wind chills in select coastal counties, meaning it could feel even colder than the actual air temperature at times.
The alert highlights a widespread cold setup that will impact most counties in the region, especially away from immediate coastal influence.
Areas Included and Excluded in the Freeze Watch
According to the advisory graphic, the Freeze Watch covers most inland counties, but excludes:
- Pinellas County
- Coastal Hillsborough County
- Manatee County
- Sarasota County
While those counties are not currently in the freeze watch area, they are still under a Cold Weather Advisory for wind chills, particularly near Tampa and Sarasota along the Gulf Coast. That means coastal communities may avoid a hard freeze but can still experience brisk, uncomfortable overnight conditions.
How Cold It Could Get and When
The coldest temperatures are expected late Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, with the lowest readings likely occurring around sunrise. Inland communities could see temperatures dip to around 29°F, cold enough to damage sensitive vegetation and pose risks to exposed plumbing.
Wind chills will be even lower in some areas, especially where a light breeze persists overnight. Even if actual temperatures hover just above freezing, the combination of wind and cold air can make it feel significantly colder.
Why This Cold Snap Matters
For many Florida residents, temperatures in the upper 20s are uncommon enough to cause issues. Sensitive plants, outdoor irrigation systems, and unprotected pipes are particularly vulnerable. Residents in freeze-prone inland zones should take precautionary steps Tuesday evening…