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National Park Service

Hide your kids, hide your wife — we're all going to freeze. Maybe.

Winter may not officially start until next week, but the National Weather Service is issuing a freezing-weather advisory for much of Arizona, including greater Phoenix.  

Today and tomorrow, daytime temperatures should hover around "chilly, but totally bearable" — or, in science-speak, in the mid-40s to 50s — but the mercury will plummet as the sun goes down.

According to the NWS, temperatures Tuesday night will be about 33 degrees but could get as cold as 24 degrees, while Wednesday night might be a whole degree or two warmer!

National Weather Service

There's a freeze warning in effect from 11 p.m. Tuesday through 9 a.m. Wednesday, and a freeze watch in effect from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning for the following areas of the Valley: Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, and Sun City. 

What's the difference between a watch and a warning? According to the NWS: A Freeze Watch is issued when there is a potential for significant widespread freezing temperatures, and a Freeze Warning is issued when significant widespread freezing temperatures are expected.

Brrrrrr. National Weather Service

So what does all this mean? Well, in addition to bundling up, bringing pets indoors, and having a great excuse to drink hot chocolate, you may want to cover sensitive plants with blankets. 

Enjoy the cold, Arizona!

Here's what the overnight lows look like for the rest of this week:

Tuesday-Wednesday Night Lows National Weather Service

Wednesday-Thursday night lows. National Weather Service

Thursday-Friday night lows. National Weather Service

Friday-Saturday night lows. National Weather Service

Saturday-Sunday night lows. National Weather Service

And since it's the season of giving, here's some information about how you can donate or volunteer for two local nonprofits assisting the homeless in Maricopa County: The Lodestar Day Resource Center and Central Arizona Shelter Services.