A late-season cold snap is about to deliver a brutal reminder that winter isn’t quite done with us yet. The National Weather Service has issued a Freeze Warning for much of West Virginia as an arctic air mass sweeps through the region, dragging temperatures down into the low 20s by early Tuesday morning.
Yes, you read that right—low 20s, in April.
What’s Happening?
Overnight Monday into Tuesday, cold air will pour into the region, dropping temperatures well below freezing. This isn’t just a chilly morning—it’s cold enough to damage or kill crops, flowers, and any other tender spring plants that thought it was safe to come out and bloom.
The warning is in effect from 2 AM to 10 AM on Tuesday, April 8, and covers a wide swath of the state—including central, southern, and western West Virginia—as well as parts of neighboring Ohio and Kentucky.
Why This Matters
This kind of deep freeze can wreak havoc on gardens, early crops, and even outdoor plumbing.
If you’ve already planted flowers or vegetables—or if you’re a farmer with crops just beginning to grow—this is the kind of cold that can undo weeks of progress overnight.
Likewise, pipes exposed to the elements could freeze and burst, which isn’t just inconvenient—it’s expensive.
What You Should Do Right Now
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Cover Your Plants: Use blankets, burlap, or frost cloths. Even old towels can make a difference.
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Bring It Inside: If it’s in a pot and small enough to move, get it indoors.
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Let Faucets Drip: For outdoor pipes, a slow drip can keep water moving and prevent freezing.
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Double-Check Pets and Animals: Make sure any animals that typically sleep outside have warm shelter.
What’s Next?
The good news? This cold snap doesn’t look like it’s here to stay. By mid-week, temperatures are expected to climb back into the 50s and 60s, bringing some springtime relief.
But for now, don’t let this freeze catch you off guard. Take the evening to prep—your plants, pipes, and peace of mind will thank you Tuesday morning.
This isn’t your average chilly night—this is a full-blown freeze warning, and it’s hitting at a time when most people have already put away the winter coats. Take it seriously, and you’ll save yourself some headaches (and possibly a lot of money).
