Hard Freeze Hits Ohio Valley as Temperatures Drop Into the 20s
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Residents across the Ohio Valley woke up to frigid conditions Friday morning, as a hard freeze warning remained in effect until 9 a.m. for parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
The cold snap marks one of the lowest temperature drops of the fall season, with overnight lows plunging into the upper 20s and low 30s across the region.
Cold Air Settles Over Ohio Valley
The NWS offices in Wilmington, Ohio, and Charleston, West Virginia, issued the widespread warning, which includes major cities such as Columbus, Cincinnati, Huntington, Charleston, and Maysville. The coldest air is expected in rural valleys and open areas, where temperatures could briefly dip below 29 degrees before sunrise.
“Sub-freezing temperatures could kill crops, flowers, and other sensitive vegetation,” forecasters warned. “Residents should cover plants, bring outdoor pets inside, and protect exposed plumbing from the cold.”
Officials Urge Caution for Residents and Farmers
With the first major freeze of the season underway, agricultural experts are reminding homeowners and farmers that this cold spell could effectively mark the end of the outdoor growing season across much of the region.
“Any remaining summer crops or unharvested produce are at risk,” said Philip Adams, a field meteorologist based in Kentucky. “This kind of freeze tends to end the growing cycle for most sensitive plants.”
The NWS also advised residents to drain irrigation systems, disconnect hoses, and cover exposed pipes to prevent damage from freezing overnight temperatures.
Clear Skies and Sunshine to Follow
The cold weather comes after several calm, cloud-free nights allowed heat to escape the atmosphere, setting up ideal conditions for frost formation. Meteorologists expect the region to warm slightly by late morning, with highs reaching the upper 50s under sunny skies.
A gradual rebound in temperatures is expected over the weekend as warmer air moves in from the south. Highs are forecast to climb into the mid-60s by Sunday, bringing a short reprieve before another potential cooldown next week.
A Sign That Winter Is Approaching
While this freeze is typical for late October, forecasters say it serves as a clear reminder that winter weather patterns are beginning to set in.
“This is the time of year when we start transitioning into colder, longer nights,” said an NWS spokesperson. “Residents should expect more frost advisories and freezes through the coming weeks.”
The hard freeze warning officially expires at 9 a.m., but experts note that early morning frost could linger in shaded areas and low-lying valleys well into mid-morning.
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