Goodland, KS – The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Freeze Warning for northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska as subfreezing temperatures are forecast to hit the region late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Residents are being urged to take immediate precautions to protect plants, outdoor plumbing, and livestock from the extreme cold.
The Incident: Freeze Warning and Dangerous Temperature Drop
According to the NWS in Goodland, the Freeze Warning will be in effect from 10 p.m. CDT Tuesday until 11 a.m. CDT Wednesday, covering a wide stretch of counties across the High Plains.
The affected areas in Kansas include Cheyenne, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Sherman, Thomas, Sheridan, Graham, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Greeley, and Wichita counties, while parts of southwest Nebraska, including Dundy, Hitchcock, and Red Willow counties, are also under the warning.
Forecasters expect overnight lows near 23°F, making it one of the coldest nights of the fall season so far. These conditions pose a significant threat to crops, outdoor vegetation, and unprotected water systems.
Weather Impact and Safety Risks
Meteorologists warn that temperatures in the low to mid-20s could kill sensitive vegetation, damage crops, and freeze exposed outdoor pipes. Homeowners and farmers are urged to prepare now to avoid costly losses.
“This level of cold can be dangerous for late-season produce, garden plants, and outdoor plumbing if left unprotected,” the National Weather Service said in its advisory.
Residents are advised to:
- Cover or bring indoors potted plants and delicate vegetation.
- Drain irrigation systems and disconnect outdoor hoses.
- Insulate exposed pipes and seal foundation vents.
- Ensure pets and livestock have access to warm shelter and water.
The NWS also recommends that residents check on elderly neighbors or those without adequate heating, as overnight temperatures may pose additional health risks.
Forecast and Expected Conditions
Forecasters say skies will remain mostly clear overnight, allowing temperatures to plummet quickly after sunset. The combination of calm winds and dry air will make conditions ideal for frost and hard freeze formation.
By Wednesday afternoon, temperatures are expected to rebound slightly, reaching the mid-40s to low 50s. However, another cold morning could follow later in the week as the region continues to experience below-average fall temperatures.
Background and Regional Climate Context
The early-season freeze comes after several weeks of mild fall weather across northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska. Such sharp temperature drops are common across the High Plains, but forecasters say this event is unusually cold for mid-October.
Agricultural experts warn that the freeze could affect late-harvest crops and winter wheat already planted in parts of the region. Residents are reminded that the first hard freeze typically signals the end of the growing season for most plants.
Ongoing Updates and Precautionary Actions
The National Weather Service in Goodland will continue to monitor the system and issue updates as necessary. Local emergency management agencies have also urged residents to stay alert for changes in conditions overnight and avoid unnecessary travel during the coldest hours.
Forecasters recommend tuning in to local radio, TV, or the NWS website for the latest weather alerts, including any extended freeze warnings or frost advisories later this week.
Conclusion
With temperatures expected to fall to around 23°F overnight, residents across northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska are urged to take immediate precautions. This freeze will likely end the fall growing season and serve as a reminder of the winter chill ahead.
What are your plans to prepare for tonight’s cold snap? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
