Early Frost Strikes Five US States, Threatening Crops and Power Systems

Hundreds of thousands of residents in northern and central US states woke up to urgent weather warnings after the first early frost and freeze of the season swept across wide areas of five states.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued alerts for freezing temperatures in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Minnesota, where lows between 29°F and 32°F are expected in some areas. Officials warned that the cold could damage crops and sensitive plants, strain power networks, and pose health risks for the elderly and the homeless.

North Dakota reported the harshest conditions, with freeze warnings in cities including Grand Forks, Bismarck, Dickinson, and Williston, while Minot and nearby areas were placed under frost advisories. Meteorologists noted that Grand Forks recorded the coldest September 4 daytime high since 1956.

Freeze Warnings Hit Plains and Midwest

In South Dakota, warnings stretched from the city of Pierre to the Black Hills, while Rapid City officials cautioned of freezing temperatures extending into northeast Wyoming. Alerts also reached northern Minnesota, including the Boundary Waters reserve and towns such as International Falls, Hibbing, and Ely.

In Nebraska, frost warnings were issued for counties including Sheridan, Grant, Hooker, and Cherry. Forecasts predicted temperatures near 32°F in towns such as Valentine, Gordon, and Hyannis.

Weather experts urged residents to protect plants and crops from frost damage, warning that such early cold snaps could disrupt the agricultural season unexpectedly, especially with autumn just beginning. NWS officials said warnings will remain in place through at least Saturday morning, with the possibility of extended cold in the coming days.