With temperatures expected to drip below freezing, and into the mid to upper 20’s in some locations, the National Weather Service has upgraded and expanded Freeze Watches that were up for portions of the Mid Atlantic tonight into tomorrow morning. Additionally, more Frost Advisories have also been issued with more frost conditions expected by sunrise.

An unseasonably cold air mass will allow temperatures to drop tonight, threatening the early planting season with a killer freeze or frost.

A Freeze Warning is issued when a solid frost or freeze is likely with temperatures dipping into the 20’s.  Such conditions will kill sensitive vegetation, kill crops, and could damage outdoor plumbing such as irrigation systems. When a Freeze Warning is issued, people should take immediate steps to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes, the National Weather Service says they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly; those that have in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

A Frost Advisory is also in effect for portions of Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee.

A Frost Advisory is issued when frost is possible; under such an advisory, frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.

A Freeze Watch is issued when sub-freezing temperatures in the low 30’s are possible. In this watch, it is possible that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, harm other sensitive vegetation, and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.