Jackson, Kentucky – Temperatures are set to drop below freezing across eastern Kentucky overnight, putting crops, gardens, and outdoor plumbing at risk before sunrise Saturday.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a Freeze Watch takes effect late Friday night and lasts through Saturday morning, with lows expected to reach 27°F between about 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. The cold air will impact a wide stretch of the state, including communities such as Hazard, London, Somerset, Morehead, and Pike County.
In higher elevations and sheltered valleys, temperatures may dip even faster, increasing the likelihood of frost forming on early spring vegetation. Counties along key routes like the Hal Rogers Parkway and U.S. 23 corridor could see widespread plant damage, especially where recent warm weather has accelerated budding.
Residents should act before midnight Friday by covering sensitive plants, bringing potted vegetation indoors, and insulating exposed pipes. Homeowners in rural areas should also check outdoor water systems and livestock water sources to prevent freezing.
Conditions improve after mid-morning Saturday, but additional cold snaps remain possible into early next week as spring temperatures fluctuate.
