On Wednesday at 1:04 p.m. a freeze watch was issued by the National Weather Service valid for Friday between midnight and 10 a.m. for Lower Yampa River Basin, Central Yampa River Basin, Upper Yampa River Basin, Central Colorado River Basin and San Juan River Basin.

The NWS informs, “Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 24 to 30 degrees possible. Lower valleys may drop to 20.”

“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.”

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