The arrival of fall in Johnson County will take a wintery turn this weekend with the first hard freeze of the season.
A cold front will roll in this weekend, bringing temperatures as cold as the 20s and 30s on Sunday. As such, it might be time to put on some extra layers — and provide extra protection for fall plants.
Here’s what local guidance from Kansas City’s National Weather Service and from the K-State Research and Extension Office suggests in preparation for a chilly weekend.
A hard freeze is possible for the entire area by Sunday and Monday. These temperatures are a sharp change over the 70s we have seen this week. It's time to dig out those winter hats and gloves, especially since many are not acclimated to these bitterly cold fall temperatures. pic.twitter.com/7m0M2w7Tfd
— NWS Kansas City (@NWSKansasCity) October 26, 2023
The cold front begins Friday
- The National Weather Service’s forecast for the area shows a high chance of rain and showers all weekend ahead of the temperature drop on Sunday.
- Temperatures were already starting to fall on Friday, gradually getting colder with a high in the mid-30s on Sunday.
- That means the area will get its first freeze on Sunday night, with a 20% chance of rain mixed with snow.
- Hallie Bova, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office, said this timing for the county’s first freeze is fairly typical for this time of year.
- While Bova doesn’t expect precipitation to reach the point of impacting roads, she said it’s probably time to add some extra layers.
- “These temperatures are a lot colder than we’ve had so far this season,” she said. “Even if it only says 30 (degrees) on the thermometer, it’s gonna feel a lot colder especially because we’re not acclimated to these temperatures. So, especially over the weekend, if anybody has outdoor plans, just make sure you’re dressing in layers and be prepared for those cold temperatures.”
It’s time for most plants to come inside
- Per guidance from the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office, any potted plants should be moved indoors or into the garage during this weekend in preparation for early next week’s freeze.
- Rooted plants that can’t be moved inside should be covered with a thick blanket or tarp, rather than plastic, which might not retain heat as well.
- Coverings over the plants should be anchored to the ground in order to maximize how much heat they trap inside.
Some plants handle cold temperatures better than others
- Cool season plants and vegetables, such as pansies, daffodils, leafy greens and root vegetables, are more resilient as the temperatures drop.
- But if you’ve planted summer vegetable crops like tomatoes and peppers, it may be time to bring them in and store them.
- Peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks or even frozen, but tomatoes should be kept closer to 55 degrees, according to the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension office.
Tips from last year’s hard freeze: Hard freeze expected next 2 nights in JoCo — Here’s how to protect your plants
