California Shivers Amid Widespread Freezing Temperatures

UPDATE 12/18/2016 12:06 p.m.: (AP) — Freeze watches and warnings are in place throughout much of California as cold, dry air moves through, toppling temperature records.

The National Weather Service says freezes will occur through early Monday in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, and from north of San Francisco Bay south along the Central Coast.

Some locations may experience a hard freeze — temperatures at or below 28 degrees for three to five hours.

Freezes or frosts are forecast for parts of the Mojave Desert and the interior of Southern California while the metropolitan regions from Los Angeles to San Diego will be mostly clear and cold but just above freezing.

A record of 17 degrees was set in Lancaster early Sunday. In Santa Maria it hit a record 27 degrees.

Authorities say freezing temperatures could damage or destroy crops and vegetation, burst water pipes and endanger outdoor pets.

Original Post, 12/17/2016 9:38 a.m.: (AP) — Cold and dry air behind this week's storm has spawned freeze watches and warnings throughout much of California.

The National Weather Service says freezes will occur late Saturday through early Sunday in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, and from north of San Francisco Bay south along the Central Coast.

Some locations may experience a hard freeze — temperatures at or below 28 degrees for three to five hours.

Freezes or frosts are forecast for parts of the Mojave Desert and the interior of Southern California while the metropolitan regions from Los Angeles to San Diego will be mostly clear and cold but above freezing.