Weather
Wisconsin Freeze Watch: Temperatures May Plunge to 25° Saturday Oct 17
Green Bay, WI – Residents across central, east central and northeastern Wisconsin are being wa…Green Bay, WI – Residents across central, east central and northeastern Wisconsin are being warned to pre
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-15T18:01:52.585Z
Green Bay, WI – Residents across central, east central and northeastern Wisconsin are being warned to prepare for a potentially damaging freeze this weekend, with temperatures possibly falling as low as 25 degrees early Saturday morning, October 17.
According to the National Weather Service in Green Bay, a Freeze Watch was issued at 12:55 p.m. Thursday, October 15, covering a large portion of the region from late Friday night through Saturday morning.
Forecasters warn that temperatures could drop between 25 and 30 degrees , potentially threatening sensitive vegetation, crops and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Which Wisconsin Communities Are Affected?
The Freeze Watch includes Green Bay, Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Wausau, Stevens Point, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids.
Other affected communities include Shawano, Waupaca, Clintonville, New London, Wautoma, Chilton, Kewaunee, Oconto and Crivitz.
The watch covers 15 county areas, including southern portions of Marinette and Oconto counties.
Why Temperatures Near 25 Degrees Matter
Temperatures falling below freezing can damage or kill sensitive plants, particularly those still growing during the autumn season.
A drop into the middle 20s could be especially damaging to gardens, remaining crops and unprotected outdoor vegetation.
The National Weather Service also warns that exposed outdoor plumbing could sustain damage if freezing conditions develop.
What Residents Should Do Before Friday Night
Homeowners should consider bringing potted plants indoors, covering sensitive vegetation and protecting exposed outdoor water connections.
Gardeners and agricultural producers should take precautions before temperatures begin falling Friday night.
Residents should also monitor updated forecasts because the Freeze Watch could be upgraded to a Freeze Warning if confidence in widespread freezing temperatures increases.
The coldest conditions are expected during the overnight and early Saturday morning period, with the watch scheduled from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. CDT Saturday .