St. Louis, MO – A surge of arctic air sweeping across the Central United States has prompted widespread freeze warnings, with millions from Texas to Indiana under cold weather alerts until Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in the mid-to-upper 20s overnight Sunday and Monday across much of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas.
Freeze Warnings are in effect from 11 p.m. Sunday to 9 a.m. Monday, with Freeze Watches continuing into early Tuesday.
Cities affected include St. Louis, Kansas City, Indianapolis, Little Rock, Dallas, and Springfield, Missouri.
Sub-freezing temperatures could damage unprotected outdoor plumbing and kill sensitive plants as the region experiences an unusually late cold snap.
Residents should cover or bring in tender vegetation and ensure outdoor pipes are insulated. Pet owners should also provide warm and dry shelter.
Agricultural interests in the affected areas should exercise caution to avoid crop damage.
This cold front arrives after several weeks of springlike weather. Experts say the temperatures are 10-20 degrees below average for early April, raising concerns about early-blooming crops and gardens across the region.
Additional freeze warnings may be issued if temperatures remain low into Wednesday in some areas.
