The National Weather Service expects local temperatures to dip below 40 degrees, with an even colder wind chill predicted for the Tampa Bay area Tuesday and Wednesday nights.
A freeze watch has been issued for both nights in Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties, where sub-freezing temperatures of 32 degrees or lower might occur. Forecasters expect the temperature there to drop into the lower 30s for a few hours each night.
As a result, cold weather shelters are set to open in a number of places.
Hillsborough County cold weather shelters will open for the homeless and for those who live in homes without adequate heat. Pets also are welcome at the Jackson Springs shelter, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Town 'N Country.
People who need transportation to a cold weather shelter can arrange a ride through the county by calling the Hillsborough County Sunshine Line at 813-272-7272 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to arrange a ride.
Officials recommend calling for a ride only if you are stranded in the cold weather, or live in a home without adequate heat and are physically unable to get to a shelter.
All cold weather shelters are also accepting donations, such as clothing, personal care items and food. For a list of shelters, please click here.
The Salvation Army will open a shelter in Citrus County at 712 S. School Avenue in Lecanto from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
People seeking shelter can go to any Citrus County bus stop at the last pickup time and be dropped off at the shelter for free.
In Hernando County, Jericho Road Ministries is opening two shelters in Brooksville: a men's shelter at 1090 Mondon Hill Road and a women's shelter at 1163 Howell Avenue. Call 352-799-2912 for more information.
