Frosty mornings ahead in Central Valley. How to protect people, pets and plants
Central Valley residents could awake to near-freezing temperatures over the next week or so.
The frost watch will run at least until Wednesday, Jan. 25, with overnight temperatures down to the low 30s. No storms are forecast, following three weeks of abundant rain and snow.
Here are tips from the National Weather Service and other sources for residents to protect themselves and their pets and plants:
- Dress in layers, when outside, including a sweater and heavy jacket. A hat also helps retain warmth.
- Minimize time outside during the coldest part of the day.
- Check on relatives, neighbors and friends who might be vulnerable to the cold.
- Provide indoor spaces for dogs and cats, along with food and water. Wait for warmer times of day to let them out.
- Bring sensitive plants inside if possible, or cover them outside. This includes tropical species as well as the citrus common in Valley backyards.
- Don’t worry too much about fruit and ornamental trees that lose their leaves in winter. They actually can benefit from winter chilling.
- Watch for ice on roads, especially where recent snow is thawing at lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada.
John Holland
The Modesto Bee