Heads up, Northern California! It’s time to pull out those extra blankets because freezing temperatures are on the way. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Freeze Warning from 3:00 AM to 9:00 AM PDT on Tuesday, March 18, with temperatures expected to drop as low as 25°F to 30°F in some areas. That means frosty windshields, icy lawns, and a big chill in the air when you step outside.
Who’s Getting the Coldest Temps?
Not all areas will be hit equally, but if you live in a valley or a low-lying spot, you’ll definitely want to take precautions. The coldest temperatures are expected in:
- Ukiah
- Lakeport
- Willits
- Clearlake
- And surrounding areas
Even if you’re in a slightly warmer spot, frost can still form, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!
What You Need to Do Before Bed Tonight
Freezing temps aren’t just an inconvenience—they can wreak havoc on plants, pipes, and pets. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Save Your Plants
- Cover your delicate plants with blankets, towels, or frost cloths to help trap heat.
- Move potted plants inside or at least into a sheltered area like a garage or porch.
- Water your garden before sunset—moist soil holds heat better than dry soil.
2. Keep Pets Cozy
- If your pets usually stay outside, bring them in for the night or make sure they have a warm, dry shelter.
- Give them extra bedding or blankets to help them stay warm.
- Check their water bowls—freezing temps can turn them into ice blocks!
3. Protect Your Pipes
- Wrap exposed outdoor pipes with insulation or even just a towel to help prevent freezing.
- Let your faucets drip slightly overnight to keep water moving and prevent pipe bursts.
- If you have an outdoor sprinkler system, make sure it’s shut off and drained.
How Long Will the Cold Last?
The good news? This deep freeze won’t stick around too long. After a cold morning, Tuesday’s daytime temperatures will bounce back into the 60s°F (around 17°C), giving us a much-needed warm-up. And as the week goes on, nighttime temperatures should slowly climb, but another cold snap isn’t out of the question—so stay ready just in case!
Spring may be around the corner, but Mother Nature has other plans! Take a few minutes before bed tonight to protect your plants, pets, and pipes—you’ll be glad you did when you wake up to a frosty Tuesday morning.
