The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for all of Central Iowa from 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Saturday as overnight temperatures are expected to fall into the low to mid-30s. Forecasters say widespread frost development is likely across the region, creating the potential for damage to sensitive plants and outdoor vegetation.
Counties included in the advisory are Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Palo Alto, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Pocahontas, Humboldt, Wright, Franklin, Butler, Bremer, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Hardin, Grundy, Black Hawk, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Tama, Audubon, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Poweshiek, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose, and Davis counties.
Cities throughout the advisory area include Ottumwa, Des Moines, Waterloo, Ames, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Carroll, Creston, Oskaloosa, Pella, Indianola, Atlantic, Chariton, Bloomfield, Centerville, and dozens of surrounding communities across central and southern Iowa.
Meteorologists warn that temperatures ranging from 32 to 36 degrees may allow frost to form on exposed surfaces before sunrise Saturday morning. Garden plants, flowers, and other tender vegetation are especially vulnerable to the cold conditions.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions Friday evening by covering sensitive plants or bringing potted plants indoors if possible. Officials say even a brief period of frost can damage or kill unprotected vegetation early in the growing season.
