A frost advisory and freeze warning are in effect across five Midwestern states, including parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. The National Weather Service warns that temperatures could fall as low as 31 degrees overnight, leading to frost or freezing conditions that may damage plants and vegetation. These advisories remain active until 9 a.m. Monday.
Residents in cities such as Omaha, Lincoln, Kansas City, and Hastings are under a frost advisory, while some areas face a more severe freeze warning. The frost advisory occurs when temperatures drop between 32 and 36 degrees, causing frost formation that can harm sensitive plants. Conversely, a freeze warning signals that temperatures will dip below 32 degrees, potentially causing more extensive damage to both plants and outdoor infrastructure.
According to the National Weather Service, freeze warnings are more dangerous than frost advisories. While frost typically affects plant surfaces and can be mitigated by covering plants, a freeze causes ice crystals to form within plant tissues, leading to widespread and permanent damage to vegetation, crops, and even outdoor plumbing.
In areas under a freeze warning, residents should take additional precautions, such as disconnecting garden hoses and insulating outdoor faucets. Gardeners should move sensitive plants indoors or cover them with breathable fabric. Frost, although less severe, still poses a threat to uncovered plants and may result in damage if not addressed promptly.
The advisory and warning, both in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, highlight the onset of fall and the first major cold snap of the season. While temperatures will rise after 9 a.m., this weather event serves as a reminder for residents to prepare for colder conditions in the coming weeks.
