Morehead, KY – A sharp overnight temperature drop across eastern Kentucky could leave valley communities waking up to a hard freeze by Wednesday morning, threatening early spring gardens and crops across the Appalachian region.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a Freeze Warning is in effect from midnight Tuesday night through 10 a.m. Wednesday for much of eastern Kentucky. Temperatures in sheltered valleys are expected to fall between 26 and 31 degrees while ridge tops remain slightly warmer and above freezing.
The warning includes counties such as Rowan, Menifee, Morgan, Johnson, Floyd, Perry, Pike, Letcher, and Martin. Cities including Morehead, Jackson, Hazard, Pikeville, Prestonsburg, and Whitesburg could see frost forming before sunrise. Low-lying rural areas and river valleys are expected to experience the coldest readings.
Sensitive vegetation is most at risk. Early blooming fruit trees, garden seedlings, and ornamental plants could suffer damage or die if left exposed overnight. Gardeners and farmers are urged to cover plants, move potted vegetation indoors, and avoid watering late in the evening, which can increase frost formation.
Drivers should also be cautious early Wednesday morning in valley communities where temperatures hover near freezing, especially on bridges and shaded roads.
The cold snap is expected to ease by late Wednesday morning as sunshine returns and temperatures rebound into the afternoon. Additional cold alerts remain possible this week if clear overnight skies return.
