The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued frost advisories across parts of eight U.S. states, warning residents to prepare for a significant drop in temperatures starting Friday evening into Saturday morning. Some regions are expected to reach freezing, posing risks to both people and sensitive vegetation.
Frost advisories are in effect for portions of Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, and West Virginia. Most advisories begin around midnight and continue until 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. local time on Saturday, November 7. Temperatures are forecast to fall into the 30s Fahrenheit, with some areas potentially reaching 32°F.
Forecasters are advising that prolonged exposure to such cold could lead to hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, especially for individuals who are wet or lack adequate warm clothing and shelter. Residents are urged to take steps to protect themselves.
Sensitive outdoor plants are also at risk and could be damaged or killed if left uncovered. A separate freeze watch has been issued for Saturday evening through Sunday morning in some areas, with temperatures potentially dropping to 31°F. This colder spell could end the growing season in affected regions, kill crops, and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Kentucky is particularly affected, with advisories covering areas from its western communities through central parts of the state and into the east. Cities like Louisville and Lexington are expected to see temperatures as low as 34°F. Western Kentucky faces an additional freeze watch into Sunday morning, potentially affecting areas like Paducah and Owensboro, where readings as low as 31°F are possible. This freeze watch also extends into southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and southeast Missouri.
In Indiana, advisories cover south central and southeastern regions, including areas near Louisville and along the Ohio River. Ohio's affected area includes Cincinnati and portions of the southwest and south central regions, with overnight temperatures forecast as low as 35°F. Separate advisories are in place along the Ohio River for communities including Ironton, Ohio, Ashland, Kentucky, and Huntington, West Virginia.
Across Missouri and Kansas, advisories encompass the Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding communities, with temperatures potentially reaching 32°F. Springfield and Joplin, Missouri, along with Pittsburg and Fort Scott, Kansas, are also included, with temperatures expected to settle in the lower 30s.
The Oklahoma advisory is more localized, affecting Garfield, Grant, Kay, and Noble counties in the state's northern section, including cities like Enid and Ponca City. Forecasters are reminding residents in all covered areas to protect tender vegetation ahead of the overnight cold.