Honestly, if you stepped outside in Tampa this morning expecting that "Endless Summer" vibe Florida is famous for, you probably retreated back inside for a heavier coat pretty fast. We’re currently looking at a Tampa bay weather report that feels more like Chicago than the Gulf Coast. As of mid-afternoon on Friday, January 16, 2026, the mercury is struggling. It’s sitting at 55°F right now under a bright, sunny sky that is, quite frankly, a bit of a lie compared to how it actually feels.
The wind is coming out of the east at a deceptive 2 mph, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's warm. The humidity is bottomed out at 30%, which is why the air feels so crisp and, for lack of a better word, "bitey."
The Deep Freeze Is Real
Kinda wild to think about, but tonight is forecasted to be a genuine shock to the system. We are looking at a low of 36°F. That isn't just "Florida cold"—that’s actual, "better-check-your-pipes" cold. While the daytime high hit about 58°F, the real story is the overnight drop.
Local experts from 10 Tampa Bay have been sounding the alarm because a Cold Weather Advisory and a Freeze Warning are basically blanketing the region. If you’ve got sensitive plants or a "Florida Room" full of tropicals, tonight is the night to bring them in.
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The National Weather Service in Tampa actually noted that some areas north of I-4 and more inland could see temperatures dive into the upper 20s. That's dangerously close to record territory; the record for today, set way back in 1927, is 28°F. We might not break it, but we’re certainly flirting with it.
Why Is This Happening Now?
Basically, we’ve got a massive Arctic high-pressure system that pushed through yesterday. It cleared out the clouds—hence the high UV index of 4—but left us with nothing to trap the heat.
Here is the quick breakdown of what to expect for the rest of Friday:
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- Condition: Sunny and clear.
- Winds: Northeast at roughly 6 mph.
- Precipitation: Basically zero percent chance of rain until well after midnight.
- The "Feel": Chilly, especially in the shade.
People always talk about Florida as this tropical paradise where it never gets cold, but tell that to the strawberry farmers in Plant City right now. They’re likely prepping the irrigation systems to create a protective ice layer on the berries. It’s a classic Florida winter maneuver that never fails to surprise the tourists.
The Weekend Outlook: Is There a Warm-Up?
Sorta. But it’s a slow crawl.
Saturday looks to stay in the 60s for the afternoon, but another weak front is expected to slide through late Sunday. This means we aren't out of the woods yet. By Monday morning, we might be right back in the same "Weather Impact Alert" situation with another surge of cold air.
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It’s one of those weeks where you’re wearing a hoodie at 7:00 AM, a T-shirt at noon, and then digging for the heavy wool blankets by 9:00 PM.
Survival Tips for the Tampa Chill
If you're new to the area, the Tampa bay weather report can be a bit of a rollercoaster. First off, check on your elderly neighbors. Most Florida homes are built to keep heat out, not in, so these sub-40-degree nights can be brutal if your HVAC isn't up to the task.
Also, the "P" rule is in full effect:
- People: Stay warm and check on the vulnerable.
- Pets: If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them. Bring 'em in.
- Plants: Cover the hibiscus or kiss them goodbye.
- Pipes: In those colder inland spots, a slow drip on the faucet can prevent a disaster.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the "feels like" temperature before you head out for dinner tonight, as the wind chill will likely make that 36°F low feel more like the high 20s. If you are heading out early Saturday morning, keep the heavy layers on until at least 10:00 AM when the sun finally starts to do some heavy lifting. Ensure your space heaters are at least three feet away from anything flammable—we see way too many house fires during these rare Tampa cold snaps. Stay warm, keep the pets inside, and maybe enjoy the one night of the year where a fireplace actually makes sense in Florida.