Freeze watches and warnings are spreading across multiple US regions this week, with the National Weather Service urging residents to prepare for dangerously low temperatures. Central West Florida has a freeze watch valid for Tuesday between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. for Coastal Levy and Inland Levy as well as Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties. Meanwhile, the Carquinez Strait, Delta, and Northern San Joaquin Valley are under a freeze warning valid for Friday, Feb. 20 between midnight and 9 a.m.
A freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time if there is potential for temperatures to fall into dangerous thresholds. The National Weather Service Sacramento says sub-freezing temperatures of 28 to 32 degrees are expected, and frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. The freeze warning emphasizes temperatures expected to dip into the high 20s to low 30s Fahrenheit, a range that can lead to rapid damage for citrus, late-season grapes, tender ornamentals and other sensitive crops.
If you're in an affected area, now's the time to take action. According to the National Weather Service, if a freeze warning or watch is issued for your area, there is little you can do to protect plants if you can't move your sensitive plants inside, because the freeze will likely kill them. Residents in the affected corridors should bring sensitive potted plants indoors if possible and cover remaining outdoor vegetation with frost cloths or blankets. For the latest alerts in your area, check your local National Weather Service office.