Honestly, if you’re in Tampa today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you better get outside and soak up every bit of that 71°F air. It feels a bit warmer—like 76°F—thanks to some humidity creeping back in, but don't let the "mostly sunny" sky fool you. This is basically the calm before a very chilly storm.
We’ve had a weirdly cold start this morning with frost advisories and freeze warnings hitting the areas just north of I-4, and while the afternoon looks like a classic Florida winter dream, it’s a short-lived one. A massive cold front is currently barreling across the Southeast. By tomorrow morning, the vibe shifts from "shorts and flip-flops" to "where did I put my heavy coat?"
The Sunday Shift
Tomorrow, Sunday, is going to be messy. We're looking at a 60% chance of rain as that front sweeps through. The high might technically hit 65°F early on, but temperatures are going to tumble fast once the northerly winds kick in. We’re talking gusts up to 25 knots on the water and a "feels like" temperature that will make you want to stay under the covers.
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If you have plans to be out on the Bay or heading over to the Gulf, be careful. The National Weather Service has already flagged Sunday for Small Craft Advisory conditions. Winds will shift from a lazy 5-knot breeze today to a punishing 20-25 mph north wind by tomorrow afternoon. It’s gonna get choppy.
A Freeze Watch in Tampa?
Yeah, you read that right. The NWS in Ruskin has already issued a Freeze Watch for Hillsborough County starting late Sunday night into Monday morning.
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- Today (Saturday): High of 72°F, Low of 47°F. Enjoy the 0% rain chance.
- Sunday Night: The bottom drops out. We're looking at a low of 38°F in the city, but inland areas like Valrico or Brandon could see those numbers dip even further into freezing territory.
- The "Feels Like" Factor: With those northerly winds sticking around, the wind chill on Monday morning is going to be brutal for Florida standards.
Why It’s So Cold Right Now
You've probably heard the buzz about El Niño vs. La Niña. While we’re technically in a transition toward a weak El Niño later this summer, this current winter has been dominated by a dry, cold pattern. Usually, La Niña winters in the South are warmer, but 2026 is proving that weather patterns don't always follow the rulebook. We’ve been seeing these deep troughs of cold air dipping much further south than usual.
Basically, the jet stream is acting like a slide, and Tampa is right at the bottom of it.
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What You Should Do Today
Since Monday and Tuesday are going to stay well below normal—highs barely cracking the 60s—you need to prep your plants and pets tonight. If you have sensitive tropicals (looking at you, hibiscus and bougainvillea), get them covered or moved inside.
Actionable Steps for the Next 48 Hours:
- Water your plants this afternoon: Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, which can actually help roots survive a light freeze.
- Check your tire pressure: This sudden 30-degree drop in temperature is a classic trigger for that annoying "low pressure" light on your dashboard.
- Bring in the pets: Sunday night is not the night for the dog to sleep on the porch.
- Gas up today: If there’s any power flickers or just general "I don't want to leave the house" energy on a rainy, windy Sunday, you'll be glad you did it now.
Enjoy the 72°F today while it lasts. By this time tomorrow, the rain will be moving in and the "Big Chill" of January 2026 will be officially underway.