FREEZE WARNING FOR TWIN PIKES REGION

PITTSFIELD — A sharp temperature swing is bringing a freeze warning to the Twin Pikes region just one day after near-record warmth.

Forecasters say temperatures across Pike County, Illinois and Pike County, Missouri are expected to drop into the mid-20s overnight, with a freeze warning in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday. Conditions are expected to be calm with clear skies, allowing temperatures to fall quickly and increasing the likelihood of a widespread freeze.

Meteorologists indicate there is a strong chance that temperatures will fall to or below the freezing mark across much of the region, posing a risk to early-season plants and vegetation. Residents are urged to cover or bring in sensitive plants to prevent damage.

The cold snap follows an unusually warm stretch that saw temperatures climb into the 90s earlier this week before a cold front moved through the area, dropping temperatures dramatically.

The cooler conditions are expected to be short-lived, with highs returning to the 50s Saturday and warming back near 70 degrees by Sunday.