SERIOUS FLOODING FOR THE PLAINS

Storm Map: First Frost and Freeze of the Season

On our storm map today, we're focusing on the potential for the first widespread frost and freeze of the season coming up next week.

A strong area of high pressure will build in behind the cold front, bringing clear skies and lighter winds at night. That combination will allow temperatures to drop quickly, especially Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

We're expecting many areas to see lows in the upper 20s to lower 30s, with readings generally ranging from about 28 to 34 degrees. Some of the normally colder locations could drop into the lower 20s.

Hard Freeze and Frost Potential

This could be a hard freeze in many areas, with a significant frost likely as well. Temperatures this cold could damage or kill sensitive vegetation, including gardens and outdoor plants.

If you still have a garden producing, now is the time to cover sensitive plants or bring what you can indoors. A hard freeze could effectively end the growing season for many locations.

That said, there's still potentially another month of gardening weather ahead in some areas if temperatures moderate after this cold shot. The growing season isn't necessarily over everywhere, but nighttime temperatures will become increasingly challenging as we move deeper into October.

The Bottom Line

Tuesday and Wednesday mornings could bring our first significant frost and freeze of the season, with many locations dropping to 28–34 degrees and colder spots potentially reaching the lower 20s.

If you have gardens, plants, or other sensitive vegetation outdoors, protect them before the cold air arrives.