A weather pattern more reminiscent of late fall rather than late spring is setting the stage for another round of frost and freeze conditions across a large part of the country tonight into tomorrow morning. Such a late-season frost or freeze could kill outdoor plants, including any flowers that mother’s may have received yesterday for Mother’s Day.
Due to the frost and freeze conditions, the National Weather Service has issued numerous advisories from South Dakota east to Maine and as far south as Tennessee and North Carolina.
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 issued when frost is possible; under such an advisory, frost could kill sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered.