The National Weather Service has now issued a freeze warning for Thursday night into Friday morning as temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s in parts of Connecticut.

The weather service had originally issued a freeze watch on Wednesday.

The freeze warning will be in effect from midnight to 9 a.m. Friday for the entire state except areas along the Long Island Sound shoreline -- southern Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. Thursday night's lows will be a little warmer along the shore, with temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to low 40s.

Farther inland, temperatures are expected to drop to around freezing to the upper 20s. The weather service's warnings for northern Connecticut said the areas could see temperatures as low as the mid-20s.

The coldest temperatures should fall just before dawn Friday morning.

"Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing," the weather service said in its warning, advising residents to take steps to protect plants.

Unexpected cold can have an impact on the state. In May 2023, a late season frost damaged crops including berries, fruit and Christmas trees, prompting the state to ask for federal assistance.