Oklahoma City, OK – A statewide freeze watch is in effect in Oklahoma, as residents prepare for a sharp drop in temperature late Sunday into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Norman, the freeze watch goes into effect Monday at 1 a.m. CDT and lasts until 8 a.m.
Temperatures are expected to fall as low as 27°F in Oklahoma City, Norman, Enid, Lawton, and Ardmore, as well as smaller communities across the state.
The cold snap comes after gusts of up to 45 mph were reported in the state’s central and western regions on Saturday.
As the winds subside, clear skies and calm conditions will allow overnight lows to fall below freezing. The combination may be especially harmful to unprotected plants, crops, and outdoor plumbing.
The alert covers Bryan and Atoka counties in southern Oklahoma. North Texas counties such as Wichita, Knox, and Archer are also on the same freeze watch, with similar consequences expected.
Residents are urged to cover or bring sensitive vegetation indoors, as well as insulate exposed water pipes. Farmers and gardeners should take immediate precautions to protect sensitive crops from freeze damage.
Temperatures are expected to rise slightly Monday afternoon, but another cold morning could follow on Tuesday.
