Tampa Bay Shatters 133-Year Low Temperature Record Tuesday Morning
Tampa Bay experienced a historic cold snap on Tuesday morning, setting a new record low temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. This broke the previous record of 40 degrees that had stood since 1892.
Freeze Warning Issued
The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for northern counties. Residents are urged to take precautions as this sudden cold wave sweeps through the region.
Pet Safety Measures
- Indoor and outdoor pets should be brought inside.
- Pet owners are encouraged to minimize outdoor time for their animals.
- Provide sheltered spaces for feral cats to protect them from the cold.
Dr. Jenese Williams from Kingdom Pet Hospital emphasizes the need to consider how cold weather affects pets, as they can lose body heat quickly. Hypothermia is a serious risk for animals exposed to low temperatures for extended periods.
Impact on Local Plant Life
Many plants common in Central Florida, such as peppers and tomatoes, are not resilient against frost. Gardening experts recommend covering sensitive plants with light sheets or tarps to retain ground heat.
Tourist Reactions
The sudden chill surprised many visitors in Florida. Typically, November offers mild weather, making it a prime time for family vacations.
Tourist Sarah Lempke expressed her shock at the weather changes, while Robert Merrill noted that the cold forced him to buy warmer clothing during his stay.
Space Heater Safety
As residents pull out space heaters for warmth, fire officials advise safe usage. Here are key safety tips:
- Place heaters on a level, non-flammable surface.
- Keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials.
- Always connect directly to a wall outlet.
- Turn off heaters before sleeping or leaving the room.
Water Heater Maintenance
John Monks, owner of JJM Plumbing, notes that this is a peak season for water heater issues. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent problems caused by cold water entering hot tanks.
Homeowners should insulate exposed pipes to mitigate freezing risks.
Cold Weather Shelters
With temperatures dropping, cold weather shelters opened throughout Hillsborough County. Hyde Park United Methodist Church, one of the largest shelters, welcomed guests starting at 6 p.m.
- The church can accommodate up to 80 individuals.
- Roughly 800 individuals in Hillsborough were without homes on Monday night.
County officials are aware of the growing need for emergency shelters as economic challenges persist.
Shelter Availability
No identification is required to enter. Here are some available shelters in the Bay Area:
| County | Shelter Name | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinellas | Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast | 111 W. Lime St. | 6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. |
| Tampa | Hyde Park United Methodist Church | 500 W Platt St. | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Hillsborough | Tampa Bay Mission of Hope | 110 Parsons Blvd. in Brandon | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Citrus | Nature Coast Church | 5113 S Suncoast Blvd. | 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Impact on Local Attractions
The cold snap has led to the temporary closure of some Central Florida water parks. Universal’s Volcano Bay and SeaWorld’s Aquatica shut down operations due to the weather. However, Busch Gardens in Tampa is preparing to launch its Christmas Town event.
