Chilly nights ahead: freeze warning and frost advisory issued in the US

Temperatures are expected to drop sharply in this week and the coming days, all across the United States. But in particular, Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky residents should prepare for a couple of really cold nights ahead.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington has issued a frost advisory through 9 AM Thursday, October 23, followed by a freeze warning from 1 AM to 9 AM Friday, October 24.

Temperatures are expected to dip into the low to mid-30s overnight, which could spell trouble for gardens and unprotected outdoor pipes. The Weather Service warns that frost and freezing conditions may kill sensitive plants, harm crops, and damage plumbing systems that aren’t winterized.

Homeowners are urged to bring potted plants indoors, cover garden vegetation, drain sprinkler systems, and insulate any exposed outdoor pipes.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FROST AND FREEZE?

According to the Weather Service, frost forms when thin layers of ice crystals develop on surfaces as temperatures fall into the mid-30s. A freeze, on the other hand, occurs when surface air temperatures drop to 32°F or below for an extended period – cold enough to damage or kill most unprotected plants.

Cincinnati has seen freezing temperatures as early as September 28 in past years, though the average first frost for both Cincinnati and Covington typically arrives around October 25.

As per the detailed forecast, Thursday will still be sunny with a high near 59°F; overnight low around 34°F with light winds. Early Friday morning frost before 8 AM, then sunny with highs near 61°F. Lows Friday night around 37°F. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 62°F; clouds increase overnight with lows near 42°F. Sunday morning will see the sun, high around 63°F; but there is a chance of rain late Sunday night. Monday through Wednesday in the coming week will see mostly cloudy conditions with scattered rain chances each day and highs in the upper 50s to low 60s.

With cold air settling in, it’s time to protect tender vegetation and prepare outdoor systems for the season’s first real taste of frost and freezing temperatures.