Freeze warnings for over a million in 11 states as temperatures plummet
Millions of Americans are facing frost and freeze conditions early this week, with alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS) in place across parts of 11 states early on Monday.
Why It Matters
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the NWS cautioned.
What To Know
As of early Monday morning, freeze warnings had been issued for portions of Montana, western Wyoming, southeastern Idaho, northwestern South Dakota, and much of North Dakota, as well as parts of Oregon and Utah.
In Montana, the NWS said subfreezing temperatures in the low to mid-30’s were expected in the Bitterroot Valley and along the Clark Fork River in Missoula on Monday morning. Low 30’s were expected elsewhere in the Missoula Valley, the agency said.
Dubois in Wyoming was expected to see temperatures as low as 25, the NWS said. Isolated temperatures as low as 22 would be possible in the Upper Wind River Basin, it added.
West and Central North Dakota, including the James River Valley, were forecast for subfreezing temperatures as low as 25, while Harding and Perkins counties in South Dakota could see temperatures as low as 30, according to the NWS.
Central Oregon could also see temperatures as low as 25, while southwestern Utah could see subfreezing temperatures as low as 36, it said.
Additionally, frost advisories spanned parts of northwestern California, eastern Washington, and northwestern Minnesota.
Temperatures as low as 32 could result in frost formation in Washington’s Moses Lake area and Upper Columbia Basin, the NWS said, while in California, temperatures as low as 40 posed a similar risk for Trinity County, according to the agency.
In northwestern Colorado, a freeze watch has also been issued for the central Yampa River Basin, where subfreezing temperatures as low as 27 would be possible through 10 a.m. MDT Tuesday, according to the NWS.
What People Are Saying
The National Weather Service forecast office, Bismarck, North Dakota said on X, Sunday: “After an extended period of unseasonably mild temperatures, we are expecting colder temperatures today and to begin the work week. Below freezing temperatures are possible west and north central Monday and Tuesday mornings. Temperatures moderate by mid-week.”
NWS Pocatello, Idaho said in a post on X, Saturday: “With a cold front moving through the area tonight, expect morning freezing to near freezing temps tomorrow am thru early next week. Expect a freeze warning for one or more of the growing zones by Monday am. Take steps now to protect crops and plants.”
What Happens Next
The latest of the freeze warnings were in place until 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the time of writing.
Regional NWS branches issue regular local forecast updates on the agency’s website and social media channels.
