FIRST ALERT for freezing temperatures this week

GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - A freeze this week is expected in the Upstate, for multiple mornings, prompting First Alert Weather Days.

Following and unseasonably warm February, where many days saw high temperatures climb into the 70s and even the low 80s, it’s understandable that you may have gone ahead and done some early planting. Now, it looks like the bill is coming due, as a recent cooling trend could be setting us up for a freeze in the coming days.

The warm February led many trees, shrubs, and flowers to bloom early in recent weeks. Some trees have even come into full leaf already, getting things out to a very early start for this point in March. This now means that our greenery is at risk of damage should temperatures dip too low.

In response, the National Weather Service has decided to officially declare the beginning of the growing season across the piedmont regions of North and South Carolina, as well as northeastern Georgia.

A Freeze Warning has been issued for these areas, it goes into effect Monday at 11 p.m. and goes until Tuesday 11 a.m. A Freeze Watch has been issued for Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning. A shot of unseasonably cold air settles in over the southeastern U.S. limiting daytime highs to the 50s and low 60s Monday through Wednesday. That’s cool enough for daytime temperatures, but Tuesday and Wednesday morning is where the concern lies. Upstate lows each night likely dip to the low 30s or upper 20s, putting us either at or below freezing. This has prompted us to call for First Alert Weather Days during the morning hours of Tuesday and Wednesday. And if the forecast trend holds, we likely add Thursday morning as well.

Widespread frost is likely, so you want to make sure to do what you can to protect any sensitive plants around your home. Get them covered or brought indoors this weekend so that you are ready when the cold air arrives!

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