Midwest Faces Early Frost, Gusty Winds

A sharp early-season cooldown is moving across the Midwest this week — including Iowa, Nebraska, southeast Minnesota and the Ozarks — with overnight lows dipping into the 30s and the season’s first frost or isolated freeze possible in many areas. Strong gusty winds (30–50+ mph earlier) are expected to persist into Wednesday before easing later in the week, and where skies clear and winds calm tonight and Thursday patchy to more widespread frost is most likely. Frost advisories and freeze warnings have been issued or are expected for parts of the region; residents and gardening experts are urged to protect tender and potted plants and secure outdoor items. Daytime highs will be cooler than normal, generally in the mid-50s to low-60s with some midweek sunshine. A slower-moving rain system is forecast to return Friday into the weekend, bringing a chance of showers and breezy, cooler conditions.