On Tuesday at 11 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated freeze watch valid for Thursday between midnight and 9 a.m. for the Western Slope.

The NWS informs, “Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 20 degrees possible.”

“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” says the NWS. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent water pipes from freezing; wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.”

The full list of affected locations includes:

• Debeque to Silt Corridor

• Central Colorado River Basin

• Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin

• Four Corners/Upper Dolores River

• Animas River Basin

• San Juan River Basin

Freeze watch or warning – this is what it means

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