Western Colorado Freeze Warning: Temps Drop Near 26°F Overnight
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO — The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Junction has issued a Freeze Warning for much of western Colorado and eastern Utah, in effect until 9 a.m. MDT Friday, as overnight temperatures plunge into the mid-20s.
Freeze Warning in Effect for Multiple River Basins
The advisory, issued late Thursday night, covers major basins including the Yampa, Colorado, Dolores, Animas, and San Juan Rivers, as well as the Eastern Uinta Basin in Utah. Forecasters warn that lows could reach 26°F, bringing widespread frost and marking a likely end to the growing season for much of the Western Slope.
Communities such as Craig, Meeker, Rifle, Glenwood Springs, Durango, and Vernal fall within the warning zone.
Precautions for Residents and Farmers
Officials are urging residents to cover plants, bring in potted vegetation, and disconnect garden hoses before temperatures dip further overnight. Sensitive crops and unprotected plants may not survive the freeze, and outdoor plumbing could be damaged if not insulated.
Farmers across the region are being advised to prepare irrigation systems and safeguard livestock against the sudden temperature drop.
Gradual Warming Expected This Weekend
After the coldest temperatures hit early Friday, forecasters expect a gradual warm-up heading into the weekend. Daytime highs should rebound into the 50s and 60s, bringing clear skies and calmer conditions for western Colorado and eastern Utah.
Even with the return of sunshine, residents are reminded that fall’s first hard freeze often signals the end of outdoor growing activities across the region.
Stay tuned with NapervilleLocal.com for continued weather alerts, regional updates, and safety tips throughout the changing season.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.