Early plantings might be at risk as hard freeze expected overnight into Tuesday

Gardeners who took the warm weekend to get a jump on their spring planting might have been premature.

A freeze warning is in effect Monday night into Tuesday morning with widespread freezing temperatures, according to the National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Monday’s highs are expected to reach only the upper 30s.

Skies will clear Monday evening allowing temperatures to fall into the mid-20s by early Tuesday.

A hard freeze is expected region-wide, which could damage or kill unprotected vegetation, according to the National Weather Service.

Temperatures at or below 28 degrees will damage vegetable transplants.

Most fruit tree blossoms at full bloom will have 90 percent damage at 24 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Warmer temperatures are expected later in the week.

This story was originally published April 14, 2014 at 11:48 AM with the headline "Early plantings might be at risk as hard freeze expected overnight into Tuesday."