The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a frost advisory for Lawrence and surrounding areas from 4 to 8 a.m. Friday.

The weather service said temperatures after 4 a.m. are expected to fall to the lower 30s. Sensitive outdoor plants might be damaged if left unprotected. Potted plants normally left outside should be covered or taken inside.

Farmers may have some reason to worry. “Most of our wheat is in either the boot stage or heading stage,” said Bill Wood, director of K-State Research and Extension in Douglas County. “In heading stage, if it gets down to 30 degrees for at least two hours, then we can get some damage. In the boot stage, if it gets down to 28 degrees for two hours, the wheat will be affected.”

“As for corn, we’ve got some young corn up, but corn’s generally pretty hearty,” he added.

Marlin Bates, horticulture agent for K-State Research and Extension in Douglas County, recommends putting a bucket, floating row cover or light blanket over frost-tender plants or herbaceous perennials to keep them from being damaged overnight.