By Theo Burman

Copyright newsweek

Large portions of the Northeast and northern Appalachians are bracing for a deep chill after the National Weather Service (NWS) issued widespread freeze warnings and frost advisories, set to take effect overnight Friday into early Saturday morning.Temperatures are expected to drop well below freezing in parts of Maine, New York, New Hampshire, and Vermont, potentially endangering crops, outdoor vegetation, and plumbing infrastructure.Newsweek contacted the National Weather Service for more information via email.Why It MattersThe early-season cold threatens to damage or kill sensitive vegetation and crops that have not yet been harvested. In many areas, this marks the first hard freeze of the fall, which can have significant implications for agriculture and homeowners alike. Farmers and residents are being urged to take precautions to mitigate damage from the overnight cold.What To KnowThe NWS has warned that in some areas, temperatures could dip into the upper 20s, while many others are forecast to hover just above freezing.Freeze warnings have been issued in Northwest Aroostook, Northern Somerset and Northern Piscataquis Counties in Maine, where temperatures are expected to fall as low as 27 degrees Fahrenheit.Warnings are also active in Hamilton County, New York, with lows forecast in the upper 20s to lower 30s, as well as Essex County in Vermont and Franklin and Clinton Counties in New York, where temperatures are projected between 25 and 30 degrees.As the same time, frost advisories are in effect for Northeast and Southeast Aroostook, Southern Piscataquis, and Northern Penobscot Counties in Maine, with lows around 32 degrees.The same advisories also came into effect in Northern Herkimer and Warren Counties in New York, where frost is expected with temperatures in the low to mid-30s, and several other portions of central and northern Vermont and northern New York, where frost formation is anticipated due to early morning lows between 30 and 36 degrees.The coldest temperatures are expected just before sunrise on Saturday.What People Are SayingIn its frost advisory, the National Weather Service said: “Temperatures between 30 and 36 will result in frost formation. Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”What’s NextThe cold weather is expected to continue into Sunday morning, with a second night of similar or slightly colder conditions forecast. The warnings and advisories may be extended depending on Saturday’s observations.