Eau Claire, Wis. – A Freeze Warning remains in effect from midnight through 8 a.m. Wednesday for parts of central Minnesota and west-central Wisconsin, where temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s before sunrise. The cold blast marks the first hard freeze of the fall season, threatening unprotected crops, gardens, and outdoor plumbing.
According to the National Weather Service office in the Twin Cities, subfreezing air will spread across Todd, Benton, Mille Lacs, and Chisago counties in Minnesota, extending eastward into Barron, Polk, Dunn, Chippewa, and Eau Claire counties in Wisconsin. Clear skies and calm winds will create ideal conditions for a sharp overnight temperature drop.
Residents are urged to cover or move sensitive plants indoors and wrap outdoor pipes to prevent damage. Agricultural operators across the Upper Midwest should expect the end of the growing season by Wednesday morning.
Morning frost will be widespread across rural areas and valleys, including along Highways 8, 10, and U.S. 53. While sunshine returns by midday, daytime highs will struggle to climb above the upper 40s to near 50, keeping a brisk autumn chill in the air.
Another cold night is expected Wednesday, with additional frost possible before temperatures begin a slow rebound heading into the weekend.
