The blast of cold air has arrived in the Bay area.

The cold mass of air that has sent temperatures plummeting through a large chunk of the nation has dropped Bay area temperatures into the 30s Thursday morning, said Bay News 9 meteorologist Juli Marquez.

"Really cold air is being ushered in with this cold front," Marquez said. "And the blustery conditions are making it feel even colder. The wind chill has been in the mid 20s to mid 30s across the area this morning."

Temperatures in Crystal River reached freezing early Thursday morning. Tampa, Brandon, New Port Richey, Clearwater and Lakeland all saw temperatures in the upper 30s.

High temperatures around the region today are not expected to reach 60 degrees.

A gale warning has been issued for the Gulf of Mexico waters until 10 a.m. Thursday. Seas are 7 to 9 feet and winds are likely to be 34-47 knots (39-54 mph) during that time.

Also, there is a small craft advisory for Tampa Bay.

There will be mostly sunny skies this morning then more clouds will move into the area later today and tonight.

Temperatures will rebound to the mid to upper 60s on Friday and Saturday before a true warming trend returns Sunday.

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