It may be time to shuffle around a few things on the ol’ to-do list, Coloradans.
A hard freeze is expected Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, and Boulder meteorologists urge residents in northeast Colorado to care for their plants and ensure any above-ground water lines like sprinklers are free of water.
A hard freeze, also charmingly known as “the killing freeze,” happens when temperatures dip below 28 degrees, said Natalie Sullivan, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Boulder.
While those frigid temperatures might inspire residents to burrow indoors under a mound of blankets, Sullivan reminded folks not to forget about their outdoor responsibilities.
“Once temperatures hit hard freeze, the above-ground water can freeze much more quickly, and that can lead to very big problems,” Sullivan said.
A freeze-watch is expected Monday night with conditions cold enough to kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. To protect vulnerable plants, the weather service suggested bringing some inside or covering them with blankets.
Even colder temperatures can be expected Tuesday night.
“It would be prudent to drain above-ground sprinkler systems to prevent damage,” reads a precaution from the National Weather Service in Boulder. If too much water remains during a freeze, the expanding ice can rupture the lines.
Although there is a chance of snow showers forecast after midnight on Wednesday morning, little to no snow accumulation is expected.
