Freeze Warning: Frost and Freezing Temperatures Expected Across Parts of US Midwest This Weekend

Cold air is moving into parts of the central United States, bringing frost and possible freezing temperatures to several communities this weekend. Forecasts from local weather services in Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota point to the coldest nights of the season so far, with the search term "freeze warning" trending across the country.

Frost advisories and freeze watches

In Evansville, Indiana, 14 News (WFIE) reported that a Frost Advisory will be in effect on Saturday until 8 a.m., meaning frost is expected in most areas. A Freeze Watch is set for Sunday morning until 8 a.m., with freezing conditions possible in rural, low-lying areas as temperatures dip to near or below 32 degrees. The station described it as the coldest air since late March.

Further north, the National Weather Service in Chicago said sub-freezing temperatures may occur for the first time this season in parts of central and northern Illinois. The agency described a "widespread freeze" expected away from Lake Michigan and west of Interstate 57, with lows on Friday night possibly reaching 28 degrees, according to Patch.

In southern Minnesota, KEYC News Now forecast areas of frost on Friday and Saturday mornings. Overnight lows were expected to fall into the upper 20s by Saturday morning, according to the station.

Daytime warming after cold nights

The cold is expected to be brief. In Evansville, highs are forecast to reach 55 degrees on Saturday and 62 on Sunday, after lows of 33 degrees on Friday night and 32 on Saturday night. Forecasters in Illinois gave a similar pattern, with highs near 50 on Saturday and near 59 on Sunday around Joliet.

Minnesota's forecast showed a similar warm-up. KEYC expected highs in the low 50s on Saturday, with temperatures warming further into the next week.

Snow outlook and what to expect next

The Chicago weather service said that while the weekend will be cooler, the first snowflakes of the season are not expected soon. Chicago's normal first day for a trace of snow is October 31, which has already passed this year. The latest first trace of snow on record in the city came on December 5, 1999, according to the service's data.

Local forecasters advised residents with tender plants, vegetables or gardens still outdoors to cover or move them before Saturday morning. Temperatures are expected to rise into the 60s early next week in Illinois, and KEYC forecast highs in the low 60s on Monday, mid-50s on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The freeze warnings are local and forecast-based. Actual temperatures will depend on wind and cloud cover overnight, and some low-lying areas may be colder than the forecast ranges given.

What we know so far

Frost advisories and freeze watches cover parts of the Midwest through the weekend, with the coldest mornings expected on Saturday and Sunday. Daytime highs are forecast to recover into the 50s and 60s, and milder weather is expected next week. Forecasts may change, so residents should check updates from their local weather services.