Cold Front Brings Winter Weather to Florida

A strong cold front is set to bring the coldest temperatures of the season to Tampa and surrounding areas, with lows expected to drop into the 30s and lower 40s. The 10 Tampa Bay Weather Team has issued a Winter Impact Alert effective from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday, urging residents to protect sensitive plants and ensure pets are warm. Cold weather shelters are being activated across Hillsborough County to accommodate the homeless and those without adequate heating, highlighting the anticipated high demand and limited capacity. The temperature drop is forecasted to be between 5 to 15 degrees below average for the weekend, with the cold air settling in by Sunday morning. Additionally, coastal regions may experience wind chill, and some rain is expected as the winds shift direction. Residents are advised to prepare for the cold and check on vulnerable community members during this weather event.