BUTLER, Pa. – The coldest air of the season will grip western and central Pennsylvania overnight tonight, from midnight until 9AM Friday, as clear skies and calm winds send temperatures tumbling into the upper 20s.
According to the National Weather Service in Pittsburgh, a Freeze Warning is now in effect for Mercer, Venango, Forest, Lawrence, Butler, Clarion, Armstrong, Jefferson, and Indiana counties, as well as Eastern Tucker County in West Virginia. Lows near 28 degrees are expected in valleys and open fields, ending the growing season across much of the region.
Forecasters warn that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, damage sensitive vegetation, and freeze unprotected outdoor plumbing. Residents should cover or move tender plants, shut off and drain outdoor spigots, and wrap exposed pipes to prevent bursting. Pet owners should also ensure animals have warm overnight shelter.
Cold air will settle rapidly after sunset, and drivers along I-79, I-80, and U.S. 422 may encounter frosted windshields and slick rural roads before sunrise Friday.
According to meteorologists, Friday morning’s freeze marks the first widespread hard freeze of the fall season for much of western Pennsylvania. Temperatures will moderate through the weekend, though another push of cold air could bring renewed frost potential early next week.
