Hard Freeze Tonight: What Rowan County Needs to Know

A cold snap has settled into Rowan County, and tonight will bring one of the biggest concerns of the week — a hard freeze.

After several days of spring-like warmth, many plants have already started blooming. That makes this sudden return to freezing temperatures especially impactful.

How Cold Will It Get?

Temperatures tonight are expected to fall into the mid-20s across Rowan County, with some colder spots dipping even lower.

That’s well below normal for mid-March and cold enough to cause damage to sensitive vegetation.

Why This Freeze Matters

This isn’t just another chilly night — timing is everything.

Recent warm weather encouraged:

• Early blooms on trees and flowers

• Garden planting in some areas

• Increased outdoor activity

Now, that progress is at risk.

A hard freeze can:

• Damage or kill early buds and blossoms

• Impact fruit trees and spring crops

• Set back garden growth by days or even weeks

What You Should Do

If you haven’t already prepared, there’s still time to act this afternoon and evening.

Protect Your Plants

• Cover sensitive plants with sheets, blankets, or frost cloth

• Bring potted plants indoors or into a garage

Check Outdoor Items

• Disconnect hoses if needed

• Protect any exposed pipes

Don’t Forget Pets

• Make sure outdoor pets have warm shelter or bring them inside

How Long Will the Cold Last?

The coldest nights will be:

• Tonight (hard freeze)

• Wednesday night (another freeze likely)

After that, temperatures begin to rebound.

The Good News: A Warm-Up Is Coming

Starting Thursday, Rowan County begins a steady climb back toward spring:

• Thursday: Near 60°

• Friday: Near 70°

• Weekend: Low to mid 70s

This cold snap is temporary — but the short-term impacts could still be felt.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve started planting or noticed early blooms around your yard, tonight is the night to take action.

A few simple steps now could save your plants from significant damage.