Cover tender plants before heading to bed Friday
Freezing temperatures are imminent for central and southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, and the National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for the region.
Friday night into Saturday, temperatures are forecasted to drop between 28-32 degrees, putting tender plants at risk. The NWS recommends covering sensitive stems and draining outdoor watering systems ahead of the cooler weather.
With clearer skies Friday evening, "We have a good shot of frost, even in the Twin Cities Metro, WCCO-TV Chief Meteorologist Chris Shaffer said. "You want to cover up the flowers if you want to keep them."
And taking the time is worth it, "because we're not going to be this cold again for at least another week or so," Shaffer added.
Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington counties are under a Frost Advisory from 1-8 a.m. Saturday. Southwestern and west central Minnesota is facing a Freeze Watch; southeastern and east central Minnesota, western and southern Wisconsin and much of Iowa are under a Freeze Warning from 1-9 a.m. Saturday.
Looking ahead, NOAA predicts a Strong El Niño to push temperatures above normal this winter, likely making for a milder season than usual.
