A Freeze Warning is in effect for much of the Delmarva Peninsula from 2 AM to 9 AM Wednesday morning as temperatures are expected to plunge into the upper 20s.
The National Weather Service Mount Holly office issued the warning Tuesday afternoon for Kent County in Delaware, Inland Sussex County, and four Maryland counties including Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot.
Temperatures will drop between 28 and 31 degrees during the early morning hours Wednesday, with frost development likely across the region.
The timing couldn’t be worse for local farmers and gardeners, as many have already begun planting spring crops and tender vegetation. The freezing conditions could kill newly planted crops and damage sensitive plants that have started to emerge after recent warmer weather.
Residents should take immediate steps to protect tender plants by covering them or bringing potted plants indoors. Outdoor plumbing should also be checked and protected to prevent damage from the freeze.
The Freeze Warning expires at 9 AM Wednesday, but meteorologists are also monitoring conditions for Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, when another round of near-freezing temperatures is possible.
Temperatures are expected to rebound into the 50s by Wednesday afternoon as sunshine returns to the region.
