The National Weather Service in Mobile has issued a “hard freeze warning” until 7 a.m. Wednesday, for an area including Escambia County.

During to the very dry air, temperatures are forecast to fall rapidly tonight, dropping back into the teens, according to the NWS. A hard freeze warning means temperatures 20 degrees or lower are imminent or highly likely.

Temperatures are expected to become milder later in the week. Wednesday’s forecasted high is 49 degrees, and the forecasted low is 29. Thursday’s high is projected to 59, with a low of 43.

These hard freeze conditions can kill crops and other sensitive vegetation if left unprotected. During this period of unusually cold weather, check on elderly neighbors to be sure they have adequate heat, and be sure outdoor pets also have enough warmth.

Everyone should take adequate safety precautions with their heating systems, and be sure to utilize carbon monoxide detectors in enclosed spaces. Extra caution should be used with portable space heaters, to be sure they are not left unattended and not used near flammable materials such as curtains or bed coverings.

Be sure to open faucets slightly tonight, to prevent pipes from bursting.