Florida Freeze Watch Issued for Tampa Bay and Inland Counties Tuesday Night as Temperatures Could Drop to 29°F With Colder Wind Chills Into Wednesday Morning
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.
Suggested precautions include:
- Bringing potted plants indoors or covering them
- Protecting exposed outdoor faucets
- Ensuring pets have warm indoor shelter
- Checking on elderly neighbors sensitive to cold
What Happens Next
Because this is a Freeze Watch, conditions could still evolve. If confidence increases that freezing temperatures will occur, the watch may be upgraded to a Freeze Warning. Residents should monitor updated forecasts through Tuesday.
For continued updates on significant weather patterns affecting the United States and how shifting conditions could influence travel or seasonal trends, stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com for the latest weather coverage and forecast analysis.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.