Valentine, Neb. – Residents across western and north central Nebraska woke up to near-freezing temperatures Saturday morning, with a Frost Advisory in place until 8 a.m. CDT. The chill stretched from Sheridan and Cherry counties through Grant and Hooker counties, putting crops and gardens at risk.
According to the National Weather Service in North Platte, temperatures fell to 32 degrees in spots, allowing frost to form on exposed surfaces. Towns including Gordon, Merriman, Hyannis, Rushville, and Mullen were all under the advisory. Sensitive plants left uncovered could see damage or even be killed if not protected.
The sudden cold follows a string of warm late-summer days, leaving many residents unprepared. Gardeners and farmers were urged to cover plants and take precautions for early morning chores. While road travel was not expected to be affected, agriculture across the Sandhills and panhandle may see impacts.
The advisory expires after 8 a.m., with warmer afternoons expected to return. Still, forecasters caution that similar overnight dips could reappear in the coming days as the region shifts toward early fall patterns.
