Central Kentucky could see frost Monday night. Here’s a checklist for prepping your home
The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for all of Central and Western Kentucky Monday night, meaning now is the time to remove the garden hose, bring those potted plants indoors and handle some other important tasks around the house to prep for cold.
We’ve rounded up the forecast for Monday night into Halloween, including what to do around the house ahead of the frost and what to know before going trick-or-treating Tuesday night.
Freeze warning to linger until 10 a.m. Tuesday
The freeze warning issued by the NWS in Louisville Monday extends to all of Central and Western Kentucky and it will stay in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday.
In Lexington, the temperature is expected to dip to 30 degrees Fahrenheit Monday night, with widespread frost expected to roll in during the early morning hours Tuesday, according to the NWS forecast current as of Monday afternoon. In Western Kentucky, it could get even colder.
While the cold temperatures aren’t expected to affect trick-or-treating hours in Lexington, the lows are projected to linger in the 20s for the next two nights, before reaching the 30s again Thursday night, the NWS service forecasts.
:ice_cube:Cold temperatures are expected over the next few days, with wind chills tomorrow evening falling into the 20s and upper teens.
While it will be mostly dry after this evening, a few rain showers mixed with snow are possible tomorrow afternoon and evening. #KYwx #INwx pic.twitter.com/MDsuy6LciE— NWS Louisville (@NWSLouisville) October 30, 2023
What to do around the house before freezing temperatures
To prep for the frost, there are a few tasks to complete around your home and yard.
Check your pipes. Your pipes can freeze any time the temperature drops below 32 degrees, especially if they’re exposed and not insulated. Some tips from insurance company State Farm for preventing pipes from freezing include using insulation, letting water drip slowly from your faucets overnight and opening cabinet doors to circulate heat. You should also keep your thermostat set to a steady temperature, no lower than 55 degrees.
Learn how to shut off your water. In the event of a leak, you’ll want to shut off the water supply fast. This involves knowing where your water meter is and how to turn it off. Save yourself some panic in the event of a burst pipe and know these things beforehand.
Disconnect your garden hose. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to disconnect your garden hose from the outside spigot. If you forget, the hose can freeze, leaving you with ice in the spigot and pipes inside your home. The frozen water can also rupture the supply pipe for the spigot. Make sure to disconnect the hose and insulate the spigot with some spare towels and rags to prevent freezing.
Check exterior doors and windows for cracks. Ahead of a sudden freeze, conserve as much heat as possible. Take some time to look around your home’s exterior for cracks or exposed entry points around pipes and seal them up. Weather strip around your windows and doors to prevent warm air from escaping.
Protect your plants. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, that means bringing in your houseplants, especially tender tropicals. Place them in a sunny window in a relatively moist room. Your kitchen is often a good option.
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