DES MOINES, Iowa – Much of Iowa will wake up to freezing temperatures Thursday morning as a widespread Freeze Warning takes effect across nearly the entire state. The National Weather Service in Des Moines says lows between 26 and 32 degrees could bring frost and freeze damage to crops and unprotected plants through 9 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service, the warning covers central, north central, northeast, south central, southwest, and west central Iowa, including Polk, Story, Black Hawk, Boone, and Dallas counties. The coldest air is expected between 2 a.m. and 9 a.m., with clear skies allowing temperatures to tumble well below freezing.
Gardeners and farmers are urged to protect sensitive vegetation and outdoor plumbing, as frost and ice could kill late-season crops and damage irrigation systems. Residents should bring in potted plants, cover tender vegetation, and disconnect garden hoses before temperatures dip overnight.
The freeze will likely mark the end of the growing season for much of central Iowa, with a gradual warmup expected into the weekend. Additional advisories are not anticipated after Thursday morning as daytime highs rebound into the 50s.
