The National Weather Service (NWS) issues various alerts to notify the public about potential hazardous weather conditions, and a “Watch” is the least immediate of these notifications. A Watch indicates that the atmospheric conditions are favorable for a particular weather event to occur, but the event is not yet certain or imminent. When the hazard relates to cold temperatures, the NWS may issue a Freeze Watch, signaling the possibility of widespread freezing conditions that could impact vulnerable elements like vegetation and outdoor plumbing. These alerts are specifically designed to provide advance notice, giving people time to prepare before the cold air arrives.
Defining the Freeze Watch
A Freeze Watch is an alert issued by the NWS when there is a potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures within the next 24 to 36 hours. The temperature threshold for a Freeze Watch means that the air temperature is expected to drop to \(32^\circ\)F (\(0^\circ\)C) or below. This alert is particularly relevant during the spring and autumn, which constitutes the “growing season,” when plants and crops are highly susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures. The potential for temperatures to fall to \(32^\circ\)F or lower poses a threat to sensitive vegetation, which is why the Watch is issued to allow for protective action. The Watch typically gives people one to two days to implement preparations before the cold air settles in.
Differentiating Cold Weather Alerts
The NWS uses three main terms—Watch, Warning, and Advisory—to differentiate the certainty, severity, and timing of cold weather events. A Freeze Watch is the least immediate of these alerts, communicating that the potentially damaging cold air is possible but not guaranteed within the next day or two. It is a signal to begin preparation, as the conditions are only favorable for a freeze event to occur.
The alert is typically upgraded to a Freeze Warning when the low temperature of \(32^\circ\)F or below is imminent or already occurring over a widespread area. A Warning signifies that the hazardous cold is highly likely to happen, often within the next 12 to 24 hours, demanding immediate action to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants. Freeze Warnings are sometimes distinguished from a Hard Freeze Warning, which is issued for even colder temperatures, usually \(28^\circ\)F or below, lasting for several hours and capable of killing even hardier vegetation.
A Frost Advisory is the third type of alert, which is issued when temperatures are expected to be slightly warmer, typically between \(33^\circ\)F and \(36^\circ\)F. While not cold enough for a widespread freeze, these temperatures are sufficient for frost formation, especially under clear and calm conditions, which can still damage tender plants and crops. The difference lies in the certainty and temperature: a Watch signals possible \(32^\circ\)F or below, a Warning signals imminent \(32^\circ\)F or below, and an Advisory is for frost formation at slightly above-freezing temperatures.
Essential Preparations for a Freeze Watch
When a Freeze Watch is issued, the advance notice should be used to proactively protect property and people before the more immediate Warning stage is reached. A common framework for preparation focuses on four key areas, often referred to as the “4 Ps,” starting with plants and sensitive vegetation. Any tender container plants should be moved indoors, and garden beds with valuable crops should be covered with frost blankets, burlap, or thick layers of mulch to trap ground heat.
Preparation also involves protecting outdoor pipes, which are susceptible to bursting when water freezes and expands. Homeowners should drain and disconnect garden hoses, cover exterior faucets, and insulate any exposed plumbing, particularly those in unheated areas like crawl spaces and garages. Opening cabinet doors under sinks can also help warmer indoor air circulate around pipes along exterior walls, reducing the risk of freezing.
The third area of focus is on people and pets, ensuring that all outdoor animals have adequate shelter, food, and water. It is also advisable to check on elderly neighbors or those with medical conditions who may be vulnerable to the cold. Finally, general preparation involves locating warm clothing, ensuring heating systems are functioning correctly, and having emergency supplies like blankets and a battery-powered radio ready in case of power outages.