Jackson, KY – Gardeners and growers across eastern Kentucky face a narrow overnight window to act as temperatures drop to near 32°F by early Saturday, threatening early spring vegetation and sensitive crops.
According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, a Freeze Watch is in effect from late Friday night through Saturday morning, with widespread readings at or below freezing expected between midnight and 8 a.m. Colder pockets in sheltered valleys could dip even lower, increasing the risk of frost formation.
Communities from Morehead to Pikeville, including Jackson, Hazard, and Somerset, are in the alert zone. Travel impacts remain minimal, but colder bridge decks along I-64 and the Mountain Parkway could briefly approach freezing near dawn. Rural areas and low-lying farmland face the highest agricultural risk.
Residents should cover plants, bring potted vegetation indoors, and avoid early morning watering that could freeze on leaves. Farmers are urged to protect sensitive crops and monitor localized temperature drops.
Another round of near-freezing temperatures may return Saturday night into early Sunday in valley locations. Additional advisories could be issued as conditions evolve through the weekend.
