Tuesday, February 24, 2026 — Tampa is waking up to a bright but brisk start, with temperatures hovering near 41°F at local stations and plenty of sunshine expected through the afternoon. Highs should still reach about 61°F, though a light north-northwest breeze will keep the air feeling crisp. Morning commuters will want a jacket, since the real warm-up does not arrive until later in the week.
The National Weather Service in Ruskin is calling for a high near 61°F today and notes that a Cold Weather Advisory was in place from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, for several coastal counties, while inland neighborhoods face a frost risk early Wednesday, according to NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin. Winds are expected to stay light, around 1 to 6 mph, which allows temperatures to fall quickly after dark. Skies should stay clear tonight with lows near 41°F along the coast and some cooler pockets farther inland.
Beach And Boating Hazards
A high rip current risk was in effect through the morning along Pinellas and nearby coasts, and small craft advisories covered nearshore Gulf waters, so this is not the day to get casual with the surf. Swimmers are urged to stay close to lifeguards and obey flag warnings. Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers offshore, and if you are caught in one the advice is to float or swim parallel to the shore until you slip out of the current.
Boaters and paddlers should be ready for choppy conditions and should secure loose gear before heading out. The water may look inviting under clear skies, but the combination of cool air and rougher seas can turn a quick trip into a rough ride.
Tonight And Wednesday
With clear skies overnight, temperatures will drop fast, and inland low-lying areas could see frost develop by Wednesday morning. Residents are encouraged to protect tender plants and exposed pipes before heading to bed. By Wednesday afternoon, southerly winds should help bump temperatures into the low 70s, a quick turnaround from today’s cooler air.
Looking ahead, a slow-moving front is expected to bring a better chance of scattered showers Friday into Saturday, so the dry and sunny stretch will not last all week.
Shelters And Safety
Hillsborough County and partner organizations have opened cold weather shelters for those who need a warm place overnight, including Hyde Park United Methodist Church at 500 W. Platt St. and The Portico at 1001 N. Florida Ave. Hours and capacity can vary, so residents should check ahead where possible. For a full list of sites and schedules, see WUSF.
If you are still planning a beach trip in spite of the chill, keep an eye on the flags, listen to lifeguards, and remember that the ocean is deceptively dangerous this morning, even under that postcard-perfect sun.
