Dodge City, Kansas – A late-season cold snap is expected to bring freezing temperatures back to southwest Kansas, raising concerns for crop damage heading into the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Dodge City, a Freeze Watch is in effect from late Friday night through Saturday morning across much of southwest and west central Kansas. Temperatures could drop as low as 27 degrees in areas including Garden City, Liberal, and Scott City, with slightly warmer readings near 32 degrees closer to Dodge City.
The timing of the freeze during the pre-dawn hours Saturday poses a risk to early-season crops and vegetation that have already begun to emerge. Agricultural areas across Finney, Ford, and surrounding counties are particularly vulnerable.
Residents and growers are urged to prepare now by covering sensitive plants, protecting irrigation systems, and insulating exposed plumbing. Even a few hours below freezing can cause significant damage during the growing season.
Conditions are expected to improve later Saturday morning as temperatures rise, but additional advisories could be issued if colder air lingers into the weekend.
