High temperatures and the elevated heat index are just a memory now. Parts of northern Minnesota woke up Tuesday morning to temperatures in the low 30's.
That prompted the first frost warning of the fall but a more robust warning is coming overnight into Wednesday according to WCCO-TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
"It's gonna be much more widespread tomorrow," Shaffer told Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News. "Part of the issue is the clouds will be fully cleared out. The wind is going to drop to calm in many locations, and that's gonna allow the temps to really plummet."
The forecast calls for the frost warning to reach as far south as Washington and Anoka counties.
"Almost half of the state will be in a freeze warning overnight tonight into tomorrow morning," Shaffer adds. "That's where temperatures could fall below 32 degrees. If you have flowers that you want to keep, if they're potted, bring them in the garage. Or, you know, cover them up with towels or whatever you want to do."
Shaffer says this will be a one-and-done situation, with temperatures warming up toward the end of the week with temperatures expected to be back to normal - and above the freezing mark for the entire state.
FORECAST
TUESDAY: Mostly sunny. High: 65. NW 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mainly clear. Low: 39. E wind 2-4 mph.
WEDNESDSAY: Sunny. High: 66. SE wind 5-10 mph.
Frost/freeze concerns mainly north and parts of the metro Wednesday morning too.
Average high and low: 64/45
FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 8 AM WEDNESDAY
* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 29 expected.
* WHERE...In Minnesota, Benton, Morrison, Todd, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, and Mille Lacs Counties. In Wisconsin, Barron, Polk, Rusk, Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire Counties.
* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 8 AM Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
FROST ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM WEDNESDAY
* WHAT...Temperatures as low as 32 will result in frost formation.
* WHERE...In Minnesota, Sherburne, Stearns, Anoka, Washington, Douglas, and Pope Counties. In Wisconsin, Pepin, Pierce, and St. Croix Counties.
* WHEN...From 2 AM to 8 AM Wednesday.
* IMPACTS...Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered.