Tampa Bay Shatters Record Low Temperature: A Cold Snap Explained

Record-Breaking Cold in Tampa Bay

• 🥶 Record low temperature officially broken, reaching 39°F, surpassing the previous record of 40°F set in 1892.
• 🌡️ This new record breaks a 133-year-old temperature record.
• 💨 A strong north-northeast wind at 23 mph contributed to the frigid conditions.

Regional Temperature Breakdown

• 📍 Westchase and Tampa recorded 39°F, while New Tampa and Plant City hit 36°F.
• ❄️ Northern areas like Inverness and Crystal River saw temperatures of 34°F and 35°F respectively, remaining above freezing.
• ⚠️ The primary concern was temperatures dropping below freezing, which could harm plants and crops, but all monitored areas stayed above this threshold.

Impact of Wind and Temperature Drop

• 📉 Frost Proof experienced a significant temperature drop, being 31 degrees colder than the previous day.
• 💨 Tampa was 26 degrees colder than the previous day, highlighting the dramatic shift.
• 🌬️ North to northwest winds gusting up to 31 mph created significant wind chills, with Brooksville feeling like 26°F and Winter Haven like 28°F.

Today's and Upcoming Forecast

• ☀️ Today will be mostly sunny, breezy, and cool, with highs expected to reach the upper 50s (around 59°F).
• 🧥 Winter gear is recommended for the entire day due to the persistent cold.
• 🌙 Tonight, temperatures will drop again, with Tampa expected to reach 42°F.
• 📈 A warming trend begins tomorrow (Wednesday), with a high of 71°F, followed by 76°F on Thursday and potentially 80°F by Friday or Saturday.

Boating Conditions

• ⚠️ Small craft advisories are in effect, making it unsuitable for boating today.