Chase McGee

The sudden drop in temperature will bring the state's growing season to a halt as below freezing temperatures reach far into South Georgia.

Pam Knox is an extension climatologist at the University of Georgia.

She says some hardy crops like broccoli could survive, but others aren't used to freezing temperatures this early in the year.

The National Weather Service issued a warning for central Georgia, where temperatures could dip as low as 19 degrees.

The warning notes that outdoor plumbing could freeze and sensitive plants should be covered.

Temperatures will gradually warm later in the week.

For NPR News, I'm Chase McGee.