Weather service issues freeze watch for Northern San Joaquin Valley

​The National Weather Service has issued a weekend “freeze watch” alert for an area that includes the Northern San Joaquin Valley.

In anticipation of cold early-morning hours, the alert was issued at 4:25 a.m. Thursday and stays in effect through 9 a.m. Sunday morning. The coldest hours are expected to be 2 to 9 a.m. Sunday, when temperatures could range from the mid-20s to the low 30s.

A freeze watch means below-freezing temperatures are possible, which could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department posted a warning on Facebook: “People should stay indoors or dress appropriately when going outside. Pets should be brought indoors or placed in a warm, protected area outside. Plants should be brought indoors or covered appropriately. Pipes should be wrapped or protected to prevent bursting.”

The weather service said winds will begin to weaken Saturday morning but could be strong enough across much of the area to prevent freezing. “Wind should weaken even more Saturday night into Sunday morning and allow more significant cooling,” the weather service said in its alert. For updates, the service said, check www.facebook.com/nws.sacramento and www.twitter.com/nwssacramento.

On Friday morning in Modesto, temperatures fell into the upper 30s, according to the Modesto Irrigation District.

Friday night was expected to be clear, with a low around 32 degrees and patchy frost after 4 a.m.

The Modesto-area forecast for Saturday is sunny, with a high near 55. Winds in the morning could be around 6 mph.

The low Saturday night in Modesto should be around 30, with a northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Sunday is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high near 56 and a calm wind.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 1:07 PM with the headline "Weather service issues freeze watch for Northern San Joaquin Valley."