Freeze tonight will pose threat to sensitive plants in early growing season

A spring freeze is expected early this week, which could pose a threat to sensitive plants in the early growing season. A Freeze Warning is in effect for Monday morning, with a Freeze Watch extended through Tuesday morning for two nights of freezing temperatures.

Below-average temperatures will persist early in the week following rainfall and residual clouds. However, cloud cover clears at an unfortunate time overnight Sunday. Temperatures cool more efficiently under clear skies, and the forecast is clear for almost all of Monday and Tuesday.

Monday morning temperatures will likely reach frost territory at or below 34 degrees, and a freeze is already possible in many spots. A cold front will move in during the daytime and usher in even colder air into Tuesday morning. Tuesday morning lows could dip to a hard freeze at or below 28 degrees in some spots, with almost the entire area below freezing.

Sensitive plants will be at risk in these freezing temperatures. If water freezes in some plants, it can damage or kill the plant entirely. Budding crops should be covered overnight with breathable but insulating fabrics, and potted porch plants can be brought indoors. Give plants plenty of water ahead of a freeze; drought weakens plants and makes them more susceptible to damage.

Mid to late week temperatures will warm back above freezing to near average in the low to mid-40s. Mid-Missouri typically sees its last freeze by