A freeze warning was released by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m. valid for Thursday between midnight and 8 a.m. for Del Norte Vicinity/Northern San Luis Valley below 8,500 ft, Alamosa Vicinity/Central San Luis Valley below 8,500 ft and Southern San Luis Valley.

“Thursday morning low temperatures in the mid 20s to lower 30s,” can be expected according to the NWS. “A killing freeze will be possible which could bring an end to the growing season across the San Luis Valley.”

“Freezing temperatures could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” states 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.”

Freeze watch or warning – this is what it means

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