A freeze watch is a notice issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) that announces that temperatures of 32 °F (0 °C) and below are possible in the next 24-36 hours. This watch is only issued during the growing season when the freezing temperature may damage or kill sensitive vegetation. A freeze watch is issued in the autumn until the end of the growing season (marked by the occurrence of the first widespread freeze) and in the spring at the start of the growing season (when it is late enough to cause damage to new plants and crops).

When a freeze watch is issued, it is important to pay attention to the time frame and get ready to protect items from the cold. For any freeze alerts, you’ll want to protect crops, outdoor plants, plumbing, and even drain outdoor sprinklers the night before the cold arrives.