LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Following the near-record heat that Arkansas saw over the past weekend, the temperature has completely flipped in the Natural State.
The coldest air of the season has taken over the mid-South due to an area of high pressure settling in from Canada.
The combination of clear skies, light winds, and a dry air mass will allow the temperatures to plunge into the 30s area-wide on Wednesday night.
Frost is likely to develop for many areas across central Arkansas, especially where the cold air drains into valleys and lower elevations. Some people outside of the Little Rock metro may see the mercury drop into the upper 20s.
With that in mind, it's important to remain mindful of the lower temperatures and the environment that the cold can create.
Cold conditions and frost can injure or kill sensitive plants that owners may have — this includes tropical plants and ferns. Additionally, annuals like, zinnas, marigolds, and sunflowers will also be at risk while the cold could kill certain herbs, especially basil.
Lastly, any warm season vegetables like tomatoes and peppers will need to be protected or brought inside to deal with the frost tonight.
Arkansas's first frost of the season expected to happen overnight
If you're unable to bring your plants inside, the best way to cover them up is to use an old bed sheet or light blanket. Paper bags or a plant container are other good options. Either of the two methods will keep the heat inside and prevent cold or frost damage when temperatures are just below the freezing mark.
Plastic bags or plastic of any kind should be the last option, since moisture can still develop through thin material and harm the plant.
This cold snap is a little early for this time of year in central Arkansas. Usually, the first frost on average happens mid-October for north and northwest Arkansas, but closer to Halloween for the rest of the state.
The potential for frost lingers on Friday morning, but by next week the temperatures begin to shoot up well above average and the threat of another frost retreats until November.