Madison, Wis. – Gardeners and growers across southern Wisconsin should brace for damaging cold as temperatures are expected to drop to freezing levels by early Friday morning, potentially harming sensitive outdoor plants.
According to the National Weather Service in Milwaukee/Sullivan, a Frost Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. CDT Friday for inland areas of east central, south central, and southeast Wisconsin. Overnight lows could reach 32°F, enough to cause frost to form on exposed surfaces and vegetation.
The advisory covers a wide swath of the state, including Marquette, Dodge, Dane, Jefferson, and Walworth counties. Cities like Madison, Fond du Lac, and Janesville could all experience frost development, especially in low-lying or rural areas where temperatures tend to dip more sharply.
Residents are urged to take immediate action to protect gardens and agricultural crops. “Covering tender plants or bringing potted ones indoors can help minimize damage,” officials advised.
Though no widespread hard freeze is expected, this late-season chill could pose a threat to newly planted spring vegetation. The advisory follows a brief warm spell, making it especially critical for homeowners and farmers to act quickly.
Additional advisories are not expected beyond Friday morning, but this will likely be the coldest night of the week for inland Wisconsin.
