Savannah, Georgia — The area’s first freeze is forecast early next week, so take these precautions to safeguard people, plants, outside pipes, and pets.
A powerful cold front will pass through the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry by the end of the weekend. The coldest air of the season so far is predicted for the first half of next week, including Veterans Day on Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to drop to 32° in Savannah, with places east of I-95 holding above freezing and interior communities dropping below freezing.
While this does not appear to be a crippling hard freeze, there are still actions to take to lessen the effects of the severe weather.
Check on neighbors who may not have appropriate heating and ensure they will be comfortable during the coldest evenings.
Sensitive plants in gardens should be covered or brought indoors overnight. With next week’s chilly snap, temperatures will quickly warm up in the morning, allowing plants to be returned outside.
While this will not be a prolonged or severe frost, inland rural communities may see problems with outdoor plumbing and wells. Wrap outside pipes and faucets in thermal insulation to keep them warm all night. This will not be a pipe-bursting freeze, so dripping inside faucets are unnecessary.
Finally, make sure to protect your outdoor pets and animals. If feasible, bring outdoor pets inside, or provide extra insulation to outdoor shelters to keep them warm. The shelter should also keep the animal away from dampness and wind.
Looking back 30 years, the earliest freeze recorded at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, the official long-term reporting site for our area, was on November 4, 1999. The average freeze date is about November 30, so this one is more than two weeks ahead of plan.
The majority of the local coast, including the Sea Islands, will not experience a freeze next week. Wednesday morning temperatures will most likely be slightly warmer along and east of I-95, but inland, freezing temperatures are anticipated for the second straight morning.
