Freeze warning in effect for central and southeast Illinois overnight and early Tuesday morning

[October 27, 2008]  The National Weather Service reports that clearing skies and diminishing winds tonight will allow temperatures to drop below freezing across central and southeast Illinois overnight and early Tuesday morning.

A widespread hard freeze is anticipated, with low temperatures bottoming out between 25-30 degrees.

This will result in a widespread hard freeze and mark the end of the growing season across much of the area. Temperatures should rise back above freezing by 9 a.m. Tuesday.

A freeze warning means subfreezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. A hard freeze with temperatures below 28 degrees will damage or kill most crops and outdoor vegetation. Potted plants normally left outdoors should be covered with cloth or brought inside away from the cold.

[LDN]