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Buffalo, NY Freeze Watch: Cold Threatens Plants Sunday Morning Oct 18
Buffalo, NY – A freeze threat is developing across Western New York this weekend, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Seven counties, includi
By Miles Carter · 2026-10-16T17:11:33.677Z
Buffalo, NY – A freeze threat is developing across Western New York this weekend, with temperatures potentially dropping below freezing late Saturday night into Sunday morning. Seven counties, including the Buffalo and Rochester areas, are under a newly issued Freeze Watch as residents prepare for conditions that could damage plants, crops and exposed outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Buffalo, a Freeze Watch will be in effect from late Saturday night, October 17, through Sunday morning, October 18, with sub freezing temperatures possible, particularly in areas farther inland from the Great Lakes.
The watch covers Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, Wayne, northern Cayuga, northern Erie and Genesee counties.
Communities included in the alert are Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester, Medina, Newark, Fair Haven and Batavia.
Areas farther inland from Lake Erie and Lake Ontario may face a greater risk of freezing temperatures, while conditions closer to the lakes could vary due to the moderating influence of the water.
The primary concern is the potential for frost and freezing conditions to kill sensitive vegetation, damage remaining agricultural crops and affect unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Residents with gardens, flowers and outdoor plants should consider moving vulnerable vegetation indoors or covering it before temperatures begin falling Saturday evening.
Homeowners may also want to protect exposed outdoor pipes and disconnect garden hoses where appropriate.
Although the alert does not specify an exact minimum temperature, freezing conditions generally occur when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower.
A Freeze Watch means freezing temperatures are possible, but the event is not yet certain. The National Weather Service could upgrade the watch to a Freeze Warning if confidence increases.
Residents across the seven affected counties should monitor updated forecasts Saturday as the overnight freeze threat approaches.
For the latest official alerts, visit weather.gov/buf .