Save your plants: Prepare for freezing temperatures across Colorado Friday night

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Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Charlotte Griffin, at right, waters one of her plots at the Horse Barn Community Garden at 33rd and Arapahoe Streets in Denver, July 14, 2023.

Meteorologists are warning of potential freezing temperatures in Colorado overnight Friday and suggest readying your garden ahead of time. 

The Front Range could reach temperatures as low as the mid-30s while some places could reach below freezing. Other areas around the state like the Eastern Plains, Greeley and Pueblo are likely to experience the coldest temperatures.

“Those locations could see some sensitive outdoor vegetation that's killed by the cold temperatures if it's left uncovered,” said Charlie Woodrum, meteorologist in-charge at the National Weather Service office in Pueblo. “What we're advising is that people protect their outdoor vegetation, their plants, bring them inside or cover them if they have any out still tonight.”

For metro Denver, freezing temperatures could be hit and miss, said Bernie Meier, NWS meteorologist in Boulder. But he said it’s best to be prepared.

“I live in a location that's pretty low and gets colder than most locations, so tonight I'll be out there probably covering my peppers and tomatoes, though some higher locations probably avoid the frost,” Meier said.

This kind of freeze is not unusual for Colorado at this time of year, Meier added. 

The dry weather pattern is expected to persist through the first part of next week. Then, a chance for snow in higher elevations and possible snow flurries at lower elevations may arrive on Wednesday. 

For this weekend, you should expect abundant sunshine and mild temperatures. Colorado Springs, Denver and other Front Range cities should see highs in the 70s. Pueblo may reach the 80s.