MAX DEFENDER 8 FORECAST: Increasing wind and decreasing temperatures tonight as weather turns cold for the weekend

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – We topped out in the mid to upper 60s today under mostly cloudy skies. This evening, our forecast begins to deteriorate- gusty winds will build out of the northwest and temperatures will dive down into the mid 40s. A few light, misty showers will move onshore during the evening hours.

Saturday begins in the mid 40s with wind chill temperatures in the low 30s. Winds will be out of the north northwest between 15-20 mph with gusts between 20-25 mph. Our area is under a Wind Chill Advisory through 10 am for “feels like” temperatures between 25-30°.

It will feel like a true winter day on Saturday. We wake up to wind chills below 30 degrees for many spots. Despite mostly sunny skies, we stay about 20 degrees below average with highs in the upper 40s. The warmest part of the day is around midday, and the temperatures start falling through the afternoon. With a strong wind from the north-northwest, feels-like temperatures in the afternoon will be in the low 40s.

For al the pirates headed to Bayshore Blvd in Tampa Saturday afternoon. Dress in layers. You’ll probably even want gloves or mittens and wool socks.

You will need to cover plants or bring them inside and PLEASE remember your pets Saturday night. Overnight lows will be in the 20s and 30s. Most areas outside the immediate coast will drop below freezing and stay there for several hours. Pipes will not be a concern for MOST areas- the exceptions are older, exposed pipes in inland Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties where we may see a Hard Freeze.