Freeze Watch in Effect for 7 US States — Details

A late-season cold snap is set to sweep across much of the central U.S., with freeze watches in effect in seven states. Forecasters warn that temperatures could dip into the mid-20s, threatening crops, tender plants, and unprotected plumbing.

A widespread freeze watch is in effect across parts of Oklahoma, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Texas, with sub-freezing temperatures forecast to hit overnight from today (Sunday, April 6) into Monday, and again into Tuesday morning in many areas.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures could dip as low as 25°F, putting crops, sensitive vegetation, and unprotected outdoor plumbing at risk. Here's what you need to know for each state.

Oklahoma

WHAT: Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 27 – 29°F are possible.

WHERE: Freeze watches cover large portions of central, eastern, southeastern, and northeastern Oklahoma. Cities affected include Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Muskogee, and Bartlesville.

WHEN: From late Sunday night through Monday morning.

IMPACTS: Sensitive vegetation and crops could be damaged or killed. Unprotected outdoor plumbing may also be at risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Residents should cover or bring in tender plants and ensure outdoor pipes are wrapped or drained. Sprinkler systems should be turned off or winterized.

Kentucky

WHAT: Temperatures are expected to fall into the 25 – 30°F range.

WHERE: Affected areas include central, eastern, and southern Kentucky. Cities such as Lexington, Bowling Green, London, and Somerset are under alert.

WHEN: From 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. EDT Tuesday.

IMPACTS: Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Take measures to protect plants. Consider covering outdoor vegetation and ensuring garden hoses and irrigation systems are disconnected or drained.

Missouri

WHAT: Freeze warnings and watches are in effect with expected lows between 25 – 29°F.

WHERE: Central, eastern, and southeastern Missouri, including cities like Columbia, Jefferson City, St. Louis, Farmington, and Springfield.

WHEN: Freeze warnings are in place for early Monday (4 a.m. to 9 a.m. CDT), with a freeze watch continuing into Tuesday morning.

IMPACTS: Sub-freezing temperatures could damage or kill crops and may harm outdoor plumbing.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Residents should take steps now to protect sensitive vegetation. Pipes should be insulated or drained where possible.

Illinois

WHAT: Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 25°F are possible.

WHERE: Central, southeast, and west-central Illinois, including Springfield, Decatur, Champaign, and Mattoon.

WHEN: Late Monday night through Tuesday morning.

IMPACTS: A hard freeze is likely, with a 70 – 90% chance of temperatures dropping below 28°F. Crops and unprotected plants are at risk.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Protect or bring in plants. Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Cover outdoor faucets or allow them to drip slowly.

Indiana

WHAT: Temperatures could fall as low as 25°F.

WHERE: All of central Indiana is affected, including Indianapolis, Bloomington, Lafayette, and Muncie.

WHEN: From late Monday night through Tuesday morning.

IMPACTS: Sensitive vegetation and early spring crops are at risk. Frost and freeze conditions could cause widespread agricultural losses.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Cover tender plants and flowers, bring potted plants indoors, and wrap exposed pipes to avoid freezing.

Kansas

WHAT: Sub-freezing temperatures are forecast, with lows between 25 – 28°F.

WHERE: The watch covers central, east-central, north-central, and southeast Kansas, including Topeka, Wichita, Manhattan, and Emporia.

WHEN: Two freeze watch periods are active — one from late Sunday through Monday morning, and another from late Monday through Tuesday morning.

IMPACTS: Damage to crops, outdoor plants, and irrigation systems is possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Move potted plants indoors, cover garden beds, and ensure exposed plumbing is insulated. Expect multiple nights of cold temperatures.

Texas

WHAT: Freeze watches are in effect with temperatures forecasted to dip as low as 28 – 32°F.

WHERE: Western and west-central parts of north Texas are affected, including Abilene, San Angelo, Mineral Wells, and Wichita Falls.

WHEN: From early Monday morning (typically 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. CDT).

IMPACTS: Frost and freeze conditions could kill early crops, harm ornamental plants, and damage outdoor water systems.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS: Wrap pipes, allow faucets to drip slowly, and bring in outdoor pets. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems and cover above-ground piping.

A freeze warning is already in place in some regions, signaling that dangerously cold conditions are expected imminently. This late-season cold snap is part of a broader pattern of spring freezes that often occur just as growing seasons begin.

A freeze watch means to be prepared — a freeze warning means take action. Stay informed through your local NWS office for updates as the forecast evolves.