On Wednesday at 10:31 p.m. the National Weather Service issued a freeze watch valid for Saturday between midnight and 9 a.m. for the Eastern Plains.

“A longer period of sub-freezing temperatures in the mid 20s to around 30 degrees will be possible,” adds the NWS. “The coldest readings will occur Friday night into Saturday morning with a killing freeze possible, which could bring an end to the growing season.”

“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered,” 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:

• Canon City Vicinity/Eastern Fremont County

• Pueblo Vicinity/Pueblo County below 6,300 feet

• Walsenburg Vicinity/Upper Huerfano River Basin below 7,500 ft

• Trinidad Vicinity/Western Las Animas County below 7,500 ft

• La Junta Vicinity/Otero County

• Eastern Las Animas County

• Las Animas Vicinity/Bent County

• Lamar Vicinity/Prowers County

• Springfield Vicinity/Baca County

• Crowley County

What to do if there is a freeze watch or warning

Freeze warnings are issued from 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