Ohio Crops at Risk! Arctic Blast to Slam Cincinnati, Columbus Monday Night
Cincinnati, OH – Farmers and gardeners across Ohio are being urged to take action now, as a Freeze Watch has been issued from late Monday night into Tuesday morning, with temperatures expected to dip below 25°F in many areas.
The National Weather Service has warned that a strong cold front will sweep through the region, bringing unseasonably frigid conditions from Cincinnati to Columbus, threatening early spring crops, budding trees, and unprotected outdoor plumbing.
Cold Snap Threatens Spring Growth
The freezing temperatures are expected to settle in after midnight Monday, lasting into the early morning hours Tuesday. This hard freeze could be devastating for plants already in bloom or early crops, especially with recent warm weather encouraging early planting.
“Temperatures this low can cause significant damage to tender vegetation, and possibly kill early crops if left exposed,” said a spokesperson from the NWS in Wilmington. “It’s critical to take steps now to protect what you’ve planted.”
Counties Under Watch
The Freeze Watch covers a large swath of southern and central Ohio, including:
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Cincinnati
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Columbus
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Dayton
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Lancaster
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Surrounding rural and suburban counties
Forecasters are calling for overnight lows between 22°F and 27°F, depending on location and elevation. Rural areas may see the coldest temperatures due to clearer skies and lighter winds.
What You Should Do Now
If you’re a homeowner, farmer, or gardener, here’s how you can prepare:
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Cover or bring in potted plants
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Use sheets or frost blankets to protect outdoor vegetation
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Disconnect hoses and insulate exterior faucets
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Wrap exposed pipes in unheated spaces like basements and garages
For farmers, the impact could be significant if frost-sensitive crops like strawberries, tomatoes, or certain grains are already in the ground.
Not Unusual, But Still Dangerous
Ohio typically sees its last hard freezes in early to mid-April, depending on the region. While this isn’t rare, the combination of early warmth followed by sudden cold can catch many by surprise.
The good news? Temperatures are expected to warm back up by midweek, with daytime highs rebounding into the 50s and 60s. Still, the short-term cold could leave behind plenty of damage if precautions aren’t taken.
