Pittsburgh, PA – Temperatures will fall below freezing late Sunday night, dropping to 29°F by early Monday and putting crops, gardens, and outdoor plumbing at risk across the tri-state region.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Freeze Watch is in effect from late Sunday night through Monday morning for parts of eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and northern West Virginia. The coldest conditions are expected in rural valleys and higher elevations.
Communities including Pittsburgh suburbs, Beaver Falls, Indiana, New Castle, and areas stretching into Steubenville, Zanesville, and Morgantown will see subfreezing temperatures develop after midnight. Higher elevations such as the ridges of Westmoreland and Fayette counties, along with Preston and Tucker counties in West Virginia, face an increased risk of prolonged cold.
The freeze could kill unprotected vegetation and damage early spring crops across the region. Residents should cover plants, bring sensitive vegetation indoors, and insulate or drain outdoor plumbing. Agricultural areas from Mercer and Venango counties to Guernsey County, Ohio, should take immediate precautions.
Conditions improve after mid-morning Monday, but another, potentially stronger freeze is expected Monday night into Tuesday morning. Additional alerts are likely as confidence increases in the extended cold.
