Forecast: Coldest night of the season has arrived

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The Tampa Bay area will face its coldest night of the winter season so far tonight.

A cold front is sweeping through the area Wednesday afternoon, with northwest winds taking over, says FOX 13 Meteorologist Dave Osterberg.

“Grab your jackets,” he says. “It’s going to feel colder … when you’re looking at 15 to 20 miles per hour wind.”

By the end of Wednesday, temperatures will drop to 50 degrees. During the overnight hours, a hard freeze is expected for Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, with 24 to 27 degrees in those areas. Everyone inland living east of Interstate 75 will experience freezing temperatures between 28 to 32 degrees. 

LINK: Tampa Bay area weather forecast

Areas along the immediate coast will likely stay just about 32 degrees, but parts of Tampa could dip down to 30.

The last time Tampa fell below 32 was January 13, 2010, according to FOX 13 Chief Meteorologist Paul Dellegatto. 

The cold weather won’t stick around for long. Temperatures will reach back up to the 70s by Saturday.