Rain changing over to snow possible on Thursday Night with a killing freeze over much of the area by early Friday morning. #kswx pic.twitter.com/Wd4iet5KYc

— NWS Dodge City (@NWSDodgeCity) October 9, 2019

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch in effect from Thursday evening through Friday morning.

Forecasters are calling for a radical change in the weather, with temperatures going from a high of near 80 degrees on Wednesday to as low as 24 degrees overnight Thursday.

The freeze watch include most of western Kansas, including Hays and Ellis County.

The NWS said a freeze could kill crops and sensitive vegetation, as well as damage outdoor plumbing, reminded residents to unhook hoses from spigots to prevent damage. The NWS further warned those with in-ground sprinkler systems should drain the system and cover above-ground pipes to avoid them from freezing.

There is also a chance for precipitation as the front rolls in, with the NWS predicting a 40 percent chance of rain and possibly snow.

The temperature will rebound somewhat Saturday and Sunday, with highs in the low 60s, but overnight lows still could dip below freezing.