Update: The Western Slope placed under a freeze warning Saturday – temperatures could sink to 22

Published Apr 17, 2026

The National Weather Service released an updated freeze warning at 8:24 p.m. on Thursday valid for Saturday between midnight and 10 a.m. for Grand Valley, Paradox Valley/Lower Dolores River, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, Animas River Basin and San Juan River Basin.

The NWS informs, “Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 22 degrees expected.”

“Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” describes the NWS. “A Freeze Warning means sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.”

What to do if there is a freeze watch or warning

Freeze warnings are issued from May to October (but can be extended if necessary), when low temperatures are expected to be 29-32 degrees. If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these thresholds, a freeze watch may be issued a few days ahead of time.

According to the NWS, if a freeze warning or watch is issued for your area, there is little you can do to protect plants. If you can move your sensitive plants inside, do so because the freeze will likely kill them, depending on the severity of conditions.

Source: The National Weather Service