Residents in more than a dozen counties across central and northeastern Wisconsin, including Kewaunee County, are being encouraged to protect their plants, pets, and outdoor plumbing ahead of freezing temperatures this weekend.

A freeze watch is in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday, with temperatures potentially dropping to between 25 and 30 degrees. According to the UW Climatology Office, the timing is right in line with the average first freeze date of Oct. 14.

Residents are encouraged to cover sensitive plants or bring them indoors to protect them from the cold. Pets should also be brought inside, and outdoor water supplies should be shut off. Hoses and sprinklers should be disconnected to prevent trapped water from freezing and damaging outdoor faucets, irrigation systems, and indoor plumbing.

As of Thursday afternoon, Door County was not under the freeze watch.