ALAMOSA, Colo. – A hard freeze settled over the San Luis Valley early Sunday, marking one of the coldest mornings of the fall so far across southern Colorado. Temperatures plunged into the mid to upper 20s, posing a serious risk to unprotected vegetation and outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Freeze Warning remains in effect until 9 a.m. Sunday for the entire San Luis Valley, including Alamosa, Monte Vista, Del Norte, La Jara, Antonito, Fort Garland, Blanca, San Luis, and Center. At 3 a.m., the Alamosa Airport had already dropped to 27 degrees, confirming widespread sub-freezing conditions.
The early-season freeze could damage late-harvest crops and outdoor plants left uncovered. Homeowners are urged to disconnect hoses, drain irrigation systems, and wrap exposed pipes to prevent freezing. Pet owners should also ensure outdoor animals have warm shelter as morning lows remain near 25 degrees in some valley locations.
According to local officials, the San Luis Valley’s clear skies and calm winds allowed for ideal radiational cooling overnight. Sunshine will return quickly this morning, bringing a gradual rebound to the mid-60s by afternoon. However, another cold night is expected Sunday night, with patchy frost likely in sheltered spots.
The chill signals a firm seasonal turn toward colder, drier fall weather for southern Colorado’s high mountain valleys.
