Freeze warning in effect overnight for parts of the region

A late season chill is moving in behind a reinforcing shot of colder air from a series of cold fronts. Temperatures will plummet tonight into the 20s and 30s — cold enough for a Freeze Warning for areas in the Northern Piedmont and Foothills where the growing season has started with the warm temperatures the last few weeks. The warning will be in effect from 4 a.m. until 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 9 for Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan and Stanly counties. Overnight lows will fall as low as 28-32 degrees — cold enough to kill or damage sensitive plants.

High pressure will build over the Carolinas Tuesday. Temperatures will fall fast tonight due to radational cooling from the clear skies and calm winds. It’s important to protect sensitive plants, disconnect any hoses and bring in pets where temperatures are forecast to fall near or below freezing.

Temperatures further south near the I-85 corridor will fall into the mid 30s under clear skies. Some patchy frost will be possible, but the dry conditions will limit a widespread frost concern. However, even temperatures below 40 degrees could damage some very sensitive vegetation or newly potted plants.

Certain plants are more susceptible to the cold. Basil, tomatoes and peppers, as well as any citrus or tropical plotted plants, ferns or succulents should be brought inside. Strawberries that are flowering, cucumbers, beans, squash, sprouted potatoes, flowering hydrangeas, coleus and azaleas should be covered to protect from any potential cold damage.

Use lightweight sheets, frost cloths and breathable fabrics that reach to the ground to cover the plants and trap warmth. Watering the soil will also help to slow down the loss of heat surrounding the plant overnight. Once the temperature gets above 40 degrees, it’s safe to remove any coverings.

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