National Weather Service issues Freeze Warning, Frost Advisory

National Weather Service-Missoula has issued a Freeze Warning for the Northern Clearwater Mountains and a Frost Advisory for the Orofino/Grangeville Region from 11 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Sunday.

Freeze Warning

Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 22 degrees expected. There is a 30 percent chance for a hard freeze in populated areas above 2,500 feet.

Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation. Possible damage to unprotected outdoor plumbing and irrigation systems with the hard freeze (temperatures in the lower 20s) are forecast. Additional frosts or freezes are possible through Wednesday.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Pierce, elevation 3,085 feet

Friday night: Widespread frost, mainly after 9 p.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 24 degrees. Light and variable wind.

Saturday: A slight chance of rain between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Widespread frost before 9 a.m. Snow level rising to 4,000 feet in the afternoon. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 52. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday night: Widespread frost, mainly after 11 p.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Calm wind.

Sunday: A 40% chance of rain after 11 a.m. Widespread frost before 9 a.m. Snow level rising to 4,400 feet in the afternoon. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 53. Light and variable wind.

Frost Advisory

Temperatures as low as 27 degrees will result in frost formation. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Additional frosts are possible through Wednesday.

Precautionary/Preparedness Actions

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.

Orofino, elevation 1,039 feet

Friday night: Widespread frost, mainly after 3 a.m. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 31 degrees. West northwest wind 5 to 7 miles per hour becoming calm in the evening.

Saturday: Widespread frost, mainly before 8 a.m. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 61. Calm wind becoming northwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Saturday night: Areas of frost after 3 a.m. Otherwise, partly cloudy, with a low around 33. North northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Sunday: A 30% chance of rain after noon. Areas of frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 62. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the afternoon.