Much of Florida is under a warning or advisory as the coldest weather of the season is expected to arrive Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Tampa Bay residents are likely to wake up to freezing or near freezing temperatures Friday morning.

A freeze warning begins for most of west central and southwest Florida — outside of areas close to the water such as Pinellas County and coastal Hillsborough — at 1 a.m. Friday and lasts through 9 a.m.

All areas of the region will be under a cold weather advisory during the same time.

The rush of blistering weather will wane slightly over the weekend before another cold front Sunday will drop temperatures in Tampa Bay, leading to temperatures likely below freezing once again for some spots.

While snow is not going to fall in Tampa Bay, there is a small chance of flurries in northern Florida this weekend. Lows will remain near freezing up north and forecasters are calling for a low chance of rain and snow showers Saturday night into Sunday, according to the Tallahassee weather service.

Friday morning, Forecasters expect below-freezing temperatures as low as 24 degrees in patches north of Tampa Bay and in inland areas of the region such as Port Richey, Plant City and Zephyrhills.

The cold weather advisory Friday warns of wind chills as low as 22 degrees in inland and northern areas of Tampa Bay, and as low as 27 degrees in coastal and southern areas.

“Wind chills will drop below 35 degrees across (West Central and Southwest Florida), and below 25 degrees across the Nature Coast,” according to a forecast discussion from the weather service Thursday morning.

These frigid wind chills can lead to hypothermia when a person is exposed to the cold weather for too long.

The weather service advises bundling up, and wearing hats and gloves if outside.

The cold weather will likely bring frost and freezing conditions that could kill crops or sensitive vegetation. It could also damage outdoor plumbing.

When cold weather approaches, weather experts remind residents to protect the four P’s: people, pets, plants and pipes.

Everyone is at risk in cold weather, but older adults, young children, outdoor workers and unhoused people are most vulnerable. People should remember to check on their neighbors, family and friends.

Pasco, Pinellasand Hillsborough counties announced cold weather shelters will open.

Pasco and Hillsborough will open them Thursday and Friday, and Pinellas will open them just Thursday for those seeking a warm place to stay.

The weekend won’t be as cold as Friday in Tampa Bay, but temperatures will remain chilly before another steep cool down on Monday. Forecasters expect sub-freezing temperatures from the Nature Coast into southwest Florida.

As next week progresses, the weather service expects temperatures will begin to moderate and by the middle of the week the mercury will creep back up near 70 degrees.

Pasco County shelters will be open on Thursday and Friday, starting at 6 p.m. each night and closing at 10 a.m. the following day.

Shady Hills Mission Chapel: 15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill

First Nazarene Church of Zephyrhills: 6151 12th St., Zephyrhills

Pinellas County said cold night shelters will open Thursday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and will accept guests until they reach capacity.

Free bus rides from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority will be available Thursday to shelters from 5 p.m. Thursday to 7 a.m. the following day. Riders must tell drivers they’re going to a shelter to ride fare-free.

For information on family shelters, call 2-1-1.

Boys and Girls Club of Tarpon Springs: 111 W Lime St., Tarpon Springs

First United Methodist Church of Clearwater: 411 Turner St., Clearwater

Boys & Girls Club of Pinellas Park: 7790 61 St. N, Pinellas Park

First United Methodist Church of Pinellas Park: 9025 49 St. N, Pinellas Park

Unitarian Universalist Church: 100 Mirror Lake Drive N, St. Petersburg (requires use of stairs)

Salvation Army: 1400 4 St. S., St. Petersburg

Allendale Church: 3803 Haines Road N, St. Petersburg

Hillsborough County will open shelters Thursday and Friday and take in people from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., or until shelters reach capacity.

Metropolitan Ministries has a limited number of vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis for families with children. Preregistration is required. To register call (813) 209-1176. Phone lines opened Thursday and remain open until 5 p.m. or until vouchers are gone.

Hyde Park United Methodist Church – Harnish Center: 500 W. Platt St., Tampa

Tampa Bay Mission of Hope: 110 S. Parsons Blvd., Brandon

Hyde Park United Methodist Church – Magnolia Building: 414 S. Magnolia Ave., Tampa

Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park: 107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa

Amazing Love Ministries: 3304 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa

Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries: 2104 Mud Lake Rd. Plant City

The Portico: 1001 N. Florida Ave., Tampa

• • •

The Tampa Bay Times launched the Environment Hub in 2025 to focus on some of Florida‘s most urgent and enduring challenges. You can contribute through our journalism fund by clicking here.