Hillsborough Cold Weather Shelters to Open Wednesday

Shelters activated as temperatures forecast to dip below 40 degrees with wind chill.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:39pm

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Hillsborough County's cold weather shelters will be activated on Wednesday, January 28, for the homeless and those living in homes without adequate heat who are unable to find other accommodations. The shelters will open at 6 p.m. and remain open until 8 p.m. or until capacity is reached.

Why it matters

Providing access to warm shelter is critical during cold weather events to protect vulnerable populations from the risks of exposure, hypothermia, and other cold-related health issues.

The details

Hillsborough County activates cold weather shelters when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures to dip to or below 40 degrees with wind chill for two consecutive hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The county is partnering with several local organizations to offer limited-capacity shelters across the region.

  • The cold weather shelters will open on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
  • The shelters will be open from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, or until they reach capacity.

The players

Hillsborough County

The local government authority that is coordinating the activation of cold weather shelters in the region.

National Weather Service

The federal agency that provides weather forecasts and information, which triggers the activation of the cold weather shelters in Hillsborough County.

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What’s next

Residents in need of warm shelter are encouraged to use all available resources, such as staying with family or friends, before seeking assistance at the county-coordinated cold weather shelters.

The takeaway

Providing access to warm shelter during cold weather events is a critical public service to protect vulnerable populations from the risks of exposure, hypothermia, and other cold-related health issues.