Santa Maria, CA – A sharp burst of winter cold gripped parts of Southern and Central California early this morning as the National Weather Service issued Freeze Warnings for the San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys and the Antelope Valley. The alert remains in effect until 8 a.m. PST, affecting communities waking up to some of the coldest temperatures of the season.
Residents in both regions reported widespread frost, frozen windshields, and icy patches on shaded ground. Forecasters confirmed that overnight lows dropped between 24 and 32 degrees, with the coldest readings concentrated in the Antelope Valley.
Overnight Temperatures Fall Into Hard Freeze Range
Meteorologists with NWS Los Angeles noted that early-morning temperatures dipped well below freezing in places like Lancaster, Palmdale, and Lake Los Angeles.
Interior areas of San Luis Obispo County experienced similar conditions, particularly in Shandon, Creston, and the Carrizo Plain.
These hard freeze temperatures are unusually low for early December and follow several nights of colder-than-normal weather brought on by clear skies, dry air, and leftover offshore flow.
Forecasters Warn of Risks to Crops, Pipes, and Pets
According to the National Weather Service, sub-freezing temperatures combined with hours of overnight exposure pose a risk to agriculture, landscaping, and basic outdoor utilities.
Key risks include:
- Damage to citrus crops and vineyard areas
- Harm to sensitive plants and vegetation
- Bursting of exposed or uninsulated pipes
- Danger to outdoor pets left without shelter
Officials urged residents to take immediate precautions where possible.
How Residents Can Protect Their Homes and Property
To limit damage during freeze events, experts recommend simple preventative steps:
Protect plants: Cover sensitive vegetation with cloth—not plastic—and bring potted plants indoors wherever possible.
Safeguard pets: Keep animals inside during freeze hours and provide bedding if outdoor shelter is unavoidable.
Insulate pipes: Wrap vulnerable exterior plumbing to prevent freezing and pressure buildup.
Early-morning frost is expected to linger on shaded surfaces even after the Freeze Warning expires at 8 a.m., which may briefly impact local travel and property conditions.
What’s Behind the Cold Weather Pattern?
This freeze follows a trend of colder-than-normal nights that have continued for nearly a week across Southern California.
The combination of clear overnight skies, dry air, and diminishing winds has allowed heat to escape rapidly after sunset, creating ideal conditions for freezing temperatures.
Forecasters say daytime temperatures will rebound through the afternoon, but a similar cold pattern could return later in the week if clear-sky conditions persist.
NWS Monitoring Continues Through the Morning
The National Weather Service confirmed the scope of the freeze in a morning update, emphasizing that while the warning lifts at 8 a.m., frost risks may last slightly longer. Their guidance continues to stress protective measures for vulnerable plants and outdoor plumbing.
A full bulletin from NWS Los Angeles provided detailed temperature readings and local advisories.
Communities Most Affected
Based on the latest NWS observations, the hardest hit areas include:
Antelope Valley:
- Lancaster
- Palmdale
- Lake Los Angeles
San Luis Obispo County Interior Valleys:
- Shandon
- Creston
- Carrizo Plain
These regions experienced the most notable temperature drops, with some locations dipping into the mid-20s before sunrise.
Outlook for the Rest of the Week
Warmer daytime highs are expected today, but conditions remain favorable for more overnight cold events.
Meteorologists indicate that another Freeze Watch may be issued later this week if wind patterns weaken again and skies remain clear.
Conclusion
This morning’s Freeze Warning brought one of the season’s coldest starts for communities across Southern California and the Central Coast. Although temperatures will rise later today, residents should remain prepared for additional overnight freezes in the coming days.
If you live in an affected area, share how the cold weather impacted your morning in the comments below.
