The National Weather Service in Tampa Bay is urging residents to bundle up and stay safe as cold weather continues to grip the region. With a Cold Weather Advisory in effect until 10 AM EST today, forecasters are warning of very cold wind chills that could dip as low as 25 degrees, particularly in parts of west central Florida.
According to the Cold Weather Advisory, which includes areas such as Sumter, Pinellas, Polk, and the surrounding regions, the frigid temperatures pose risks of hypothermia and frostbite if people are not properly attired with hats, gloves, and appropriate winter wear. The advisory explicitly states, "Cold wind chills as low as 25 degrees could result in hypothermia if precautions are not taken." In response, the National Weather Service is recommending that pets be kept indoors as much as possible, and for outdoor animals to have access to a warm shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
Moreover, the NWS has issued a Rip Current Statement, signaling a high risk for dangerous rip currents from 1 AM EST today through evening along numerous coastal areas including Pinellas, Coastal Hillsborough, and Coastal Manatee. Rip currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that can quickly pull swimmers out to deeper water.
The Rip Current Statement emphasizes the need for beachgoers to stay vigilant, stating "Rip currents can sweep even the best swimmers away from shore into deeper water." Swimming near a lifeguard and knowing how to float and signal for help if caught in a rip current are crucial. For those unable to escape, the recommendation is to face the shore, and call or wave for help, instead of trying to swim directly against the current.
The rest of the week's forecast points to continuing chilly conditions with a gradual warm-up as the weekend approaches. In the midst of the cold snap, locals are reminded to stay informed about weather conditions, safeguard their health, and take necessary precautions to ensure safety on land and at sea, according to the NWS.
