Freeze warning issued for Chicago area

Local gardeners who got a jump on planting by putting their flowers out early might have some scrambling to do. A freeze warning will be in effect for the area Thursday morning, when temperatures in the lower 30s will make April feel more like winter than spring.

The freeze warning lasts from 2-8 a.m. Thursday for northeast Illinois and northwest Indiana, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures could drop to as low as 30 degrees, and patchy frost is possible, the weather service said.

Sensitive vegetation may be damaged if left unprotected. Plants that cannot tolerate the low temperatures should be brought indoors or covered.

The rest of Thursday will reach a high in the low 50s with northwest winds between 10-15 mph, the weather service said. Frost is possible again Thursday night into Friday morning, when lows will again be in the lower 30s in the suburbs.