The coldest weather of the season is expected soon in South Central Texas, according to the National Weather Service. And the first drop in temperatures should come Wednesday night.

The service this morning issued a special weather statement warning of the arctic front, which will move through Bastrop County Wednesday evening. Temperatures Thursday are expected to reach highs only in the upper 40s.

North winds measuring 15 to 25 mph will add to the gust of chilly air, making temperatures feel as cold as 30 degrees in the day Thursday and 20 degrees overnight, forecasters say.

Residents should plan to cover their plants before heading to bed Thursday night. The service says freeze conditions are expected early Friday morning and could last three to six hours, with temperatures bottoming out in the low 30s.

A bit of warm air is lingering Wednesday. Forecasters predict temperatures will reach a high around 62 under partly sunny skies before dropping at night. Slight rain chances are expected in the evening, around 20 percent, partnered with wind gusts as high as 30 mph. Thursday should bring in mostly cloudy skies, making way for some sunshine on Friday.