Freeze Warning in Effect for RI, Brings Those Plants In

It’s time to close outdoor water valves and bring potted plants inside — the first freeze of the season will occur overnight.

Temperatures across all of Rhode Island will fall below freezing and will stay there until sunrise Sunday.

A freeze warning is in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will be in the mid 20s to around 30 degrees. The freeze will kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

A freeze warning is issued when temperatures threaten outdoor plants and “those with agricultural interests in the warning area are advised to harvest or protect tender vegetation,” the weather service said.

The cold weather will stick around through the beginning of next week. On Sunday, temperatures will struggle to get to the upper 40s and a stiff wind will make it feel even colder. It will gradually warm up on Tuesday.

So what’s the difference between a frost and a freeze?

A frost is when a light coating of moisture or dew freezes on the surface of plants. The air temperature can be above freezing as a frost occurs.

A freeze is when the air temperature falls below freezing for several hours. While many plants can survive a light frost, sensitive plants will likely die during a freeze.

For the latest forecast, check out the Patch Weather Page.