Bismarck, ND – Much of North Dakota is bracing for its first hard freeze of the season tonight, as temperatures are expected to dip into the mid-20s by early Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Bismarck, a Freeze Warning is in effect from midnight CDT (11 p.m. MDT) Sunday through 10 a.m. CDT Monday for nearly all of western and central North Dakota, including the James River Valley.
Forecasters warn that subfreezing conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation, marking an abrupt shift to colder fall weather. Cities under the warning include Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Dickinson, Jamestown, and Rugby.
Residents are urged to cover or bring indoors any plants, flowers, or garden produce that could be damaged by the cold. Those with outdoor pets or livestock should also ensure adequate shelter from the overnight chill.
The freezing temperatures follow a weekend of mild conditions, with afternoon highs in the 60s on Sunday. However, a strong cold front moving through the state is expected to drop readings rapidly after sunset.
Temperatures should rebound slightly Monday afternoon, but additional frost or freeze advisories may follow later in the week as the fall chill deepens.
