The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch for Orange, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties in New York, effective from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Thursday. Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s are expected, which could damage crops, vegetation, and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Residents are advised to take steps to protect tender plants from the cold, as freeze warnings typically indicate temperatures between 29-32 degrees, which can be fatal to sensitive flora. If possible, move sensitive plants indoors, as the freeze is likely to kill them, depending on the severity of conditions.
Freeze warnings are issued from May to October (but can be extended if necessary) when low temperatures are expected to reach these thresholds. If there is a potential for temperatures to fall into these ranges, a freeze watch may be issued a few days in advance.
According to the weather service, if a freeze warning or watch is issued for your area, there is little you can do to protect plants. If you can move your sensitive plants inside, do so because the freeze will likely kill them, depending on the severity of conditions.
