The National Weather Service in Paducah has issued a Freeze Warning for portions of Southern Illinois beginning Friday night, as the coldest temperatures of the fall season move into the region.
The Freeze Warning will be in effect from 11 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 30 degrees.
The warning includes Wayne, Jefferson, Hamilton, Franklin, Perry, Jackson, Williamson, Saline, and Union counties.
Meanwhile, a Frost Advisory has been issued for Edwards, Wabash, White, and Gallatin counties, where temperatures could fall to around 33 degrees early Saturday morning.
Forecasters have also issued a Freeze Watch for Saturday evening through Sunday morning across the region, with temperatures potentially falling as low as 29 degrees in some locations.
The National Weather Service warns that frost and freezing temperatures could damage or kill sensitive vegetation, crops, and unprotected outdoor plants. Exposed outdoor plumbing could also be damaged by the cold.
Officials say the expected freezes will likely bring the growing season to an end across much of Southern Illinois.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions by bringing sensitive plants indoors, covering outdoor vegetation, and protecting exposed water pipes.
Friday’s forecast calls for sunny and brisk conditions, with afternoon highs reaching the middle 50s. Temperatures will quickly fall into the upper 40s by early evening and the middle 40s later Friday night, bringing chilly conditions for those attending outdoor activities.
Saturday and Sunday are expected to remain cool, with afternoon highs in the middle 50s and overnight lows dipping into the lower to middle 30s.
The colder weather is expected to be relatively short-lived, however.
After another chilly start Monday morning, with lows in the middle 30s, temperatures are forecast to moderate, with afternoon highs returning to the middle 60s for much of next week.