Help our nonprofit newsroom bring you more of it.

While Tucson doesn't face anything like the wall of snow that hit Buffalo, N.Y., last week, the forecast for Monday night is enough to make a desert dweller tremble: temperatures may fall to 30 degrees, officials said.

Residents of eastern Pima County, including much of the Tucson metro area, should cover sensitive plants and make sure their pipes are wrapped or drained, as well as bring their pets inside for the night.

The freeze warning covers most of Tucson, extending to Green Valley, Vail, Oro Valley and much of Marana, and will be in effect midnight-8 a.m. Tuesday.

Pre-dawn temperatures in affected areas may drop as low as 30 degrees, especially in low-lying and sheltered areas, the Weather Service said. In places, the wind may be just strong enough to keep temperatures hovering above 32 degrees.

The coldest temperatures are expected between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Residents with exposed outdoor water pipes should wrap them, drain them, or allow them to slowly drip to avoid damage caused by the expansion of frozen water. Those with temperature-sensitive plants should cover them with cloth to prevent frost damage. Pets should be brought indoors because of the cold.

- 30 -