Frigid northern air has significantly lowered temperatures across Tampa Bay, with another cold front expected to intensify the chill. The region has experienced a cold snap over the past few days, and this trend is projected to continue.
The National Weather Service reports that a fresh influx of frigid Canadian air will accompany the existing cold front, potentially bringing temperatures close to freezing overnight in parts of Tampa Bay early this week. Meteorologist Rodney Wynn described this phenomenon as a 'reinforcing cold front.'
Daytime temperatures in the Tampa Bay area are likely to remain in the 60s, while nighttime lows could drop to the mid-30s and low 40s. Areas along the Nature Coast may experience freezing temperatures. A freeze warning has been issued for portions of Levy County for Monday morning, with more warnings anticipated.
Wynn indicated that these low temperatures have not been observed since last winter. While Florida is experiencing this cold front, northern regions of the U.S. are contending with substantial snowfall.
Cold fronts are typical for this time of year in Tampa Bay. Although daytime temperatures are approximately 10 degrees below normal, meteorologists predict similar cold snaps every five to seven days throughout the winter.
The onset of meteorological winter began on Sunday, following a notably warm autumn that ranked among the top five warmest in St. Petersburg and Tampa's records. The Tampa area also recorded its wettest autumn, with nearly 30 inches of rain, significantly above the normal levels.
As winter progresses, Tampa Bay typically enters a dry season with minimal rainfall. The weather service does not expect any precipitation from the current cold snap. Temperatures are forecasted to rise again by Thursday and Friday, returning to normal levels in the mid-70s by the weekend.