
The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay has issued a cold weather advisory for residents across southwest and west central Florida. The advisory, which remains in effect from 1 AM to 8 AM EST today, warns of "very cold wind chills as low as 27 expected," potentially leading to hypothermia if exposure is prolonged, according to the NWS announcement.
Temperatures in Tampa are currently fair at 38°F, with the wind chill making it feel more like 34°F. The NWS recommends residents use caution when going outside, advising them to wear appropriate clothing, hats, and gloves to keep safely warm. This advisory specifically impacts portions of Pinellas, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, DeSoto, and other areas, including the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Fort Myers, among others.
Despite the cold snap, the weather forecast promises a sunny week ahead, with temperatures steadily climbing to reach the mid-70s by the end of the week. Residents can look forward to sunny days, with Monday seeing a high near 71 and Wednesday warming to 74. The week will end with a partly sunny Friday, with temperatures hitting 75 degrees.
In the meantime, the advisory stands as a stark reminder to protect oneself against the chill—the kind of chill that doesn't hesitate to swiftly creep into the bones. "Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure," the NWS warning sharply states. Tonight's skies are expected to mostly clear, with the low around 46 degrees, offering a reprieve as the region sidesteps to a milder night.