Freeze Warning Issued: Sub-Freezing Temperatures Threaten Growing Season Across Central Pennsylvania

 October 9, 2025 — The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for much of Central Pennsylvania, set to take effect from 11:00 p.m. Thursday night through 9:00 a.m. Friday morning. The warning, released at 1:41 a.m. Thursday, alerts residents in 21 counties to prepare for dangerously low overnight temperatures.

The affected areas include Northern and Southern portions of Clinton, Centre, and Lycoming counties, as well as Blair, Huntingdon, Bedford, Fulton, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, and Columbia counties.

According to the advisory, temperatures are expected to drop into the upper 20s to lower 30s Fahrenheit, conditions that could have a significant impact on late-season crops and other sensitive vegetation.

“Sub-freezing temperatures observed over a several hour duration could end the growing season,” the weather service stated.

The warning specifically cautions that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, damage sensitive plants, and potentially harm unprotected outdoor plumbing systems. Gardeners, farmers, and homeowners are urged to take precautionary measures.

“Those with agricultural interests should protect sensitive vegetation,” the statement continued. “Valley locations and sheltered areas will experience the coldest temperatures.”

With the growing season nearing its end, a hard freeze such as this could mark the final blow for outdoor plants and gardens that have thrived during the warmer months. The threat is especially serious for crops still in the ground or plants left uncovered overnight.

Recommended precautions include:

• Covering vulnerable plants with cloths or frost blankets,

• Bringing potted plants indoors,

• Draining and insulating outdoor faucets and exposed pipes.

Residents are advised to stay informed through local weather reports and alerts as temperatures drop overnight. Those in agricultural sectors are particularly encouraged to act quickly to protect their yields and equipment.

For more information and updates, visit the National Weather Service website or tune in to local news stations.