Warmer temperatures this past week are going to be vastly different this weekend.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Kristy Carter says the weather pattern is going to change from the warmer air coming into the state from the south giving way to cooler air coming down from the north, which is causing daytime highs to drop from near 80 degrees earlier this week to the 30s and lower 40s. The overnight lows will also decrease to below freezing starting this weekend. They have issued a freeze warning for Dallas and Guthrie counties from 11pm tonight through 10am tomorrow morning.

Carter talks about the criteria they use when they issue a freeze warning.

“You have to have the minimum temperature has to be 32 (degrees) or lower over kind of a widespread area for at least an hour. It needs to also be in accordance with the growing season and that’s something that we are continually collaborating with a couple of different climate centers, also kind of our neighboring offices.”    

Carter points out with the colder temperatures, be watchful for plants that can’t handle below freezing temperatures.

“So for anyone who has sensitive vegetation they might want to start taking steps to like either bring them inside or cover them, or whatever kind of the plant’s needs per say, based on what kind of plant it is.”  

Carter adds this cold spell could last as long as the end of next week, with daytime highs being below the average temperature for this time of year in the mid to higher 50s.