🥶 First Hard Freeze of the Season Expected Tonight Across Northwest Kansas & Southwest Nebraska

Bundle up, listeners— our first hard freeze of the season is on the way! The National Weather Service in Goodland has issued a Freeze Warning for much of our listening area, including Cheyenne, Sherman, Thomas, Rawlins, Decatur, Norton, Sheridan, Graham, Wallace, Logan, Gove, Greeley, and Wichita counties in Kansas, along with Dundy, Hitchcock, and Red Willow counties in Nebraska.

The warning is in effect from 10 PM CDT (9 PM MDT) tonight through 11 AM CDT (10 AM MDT) Wednesday.

Sub-freezing temperatures could dip as low as 23 degrees, meaning it’s time to tuck in the plants, drain those hoses, and maybe even dig out the fuzzy socks.

🧊 What to Expect

• Temps: Dropping into the low 20s overnight

• Duration: Long enough to officially end the growing season

• Impacts: Damage to sensitive plants, garden veggies, and exposed plumbing

• The NWS notes that frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, harm tender vegetation, and potentially damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

❄️ How to Prepare for the First Hard Freeze

It’s been a warm, dry fall — but this blast of cold will make it official: winter is knocking. Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare around your home, yard, and vehicles before the mercury drops tonight:

🏠 Around the House

• Disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.

• Cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers or rags and plastic bags.

• Check your furnace — make sure it’s working before you really need it.

• Seal up drafts around doors and windows to keep that warm air inside.

• Protect indoor plants by moving them away from chilly windows.

🌾 In the Yard & Garden

• Harvest any remaining produce — tomatoes, peppers, and herbs won’t make it through tonight.

• Cover tender perennials or flowers with sheets or blankets.

• Drain sprinkler systems and store hoses indoors.

• Clean up fallen leaves so they don’t mat down and smother the grass before winter.

🚗 For Your Vehicle

• Check your antifreeze levels and top off washer fluid with winter-grade formula.

• Test your battery — cold weather is tough on weak ones.

• Check tire pressure — it drops when temps fall.

• Keep an ice scraper handy (you know you’ll need it tomorrow morning!).

• Throw a blanket and gloves in the car — just in case.

🧤 And Don’t Forget the Fun Stuff

• Pull out the winter coats, hats, and mittens — you’ll be glad you did in the morning.

• Maybe make that first mug of hot cocoa or cider of the season.

• And if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to light a fire or start up the heater — this is it.

Stay warm, take a few minutes today to prepare, and tune in to NWKS Radio for the latest local weather updates.

When it’s cold outside, we’ll keep you informed — and entertained — inside.