Forecasters issued a freeze warning for Hall, Forsyth, Banks and Jackson counties, along with other parts of central and eastern Georgia early today and a freeze watch is in effect for early Saturday.

Temperatures are expected to plunge into the upper 20s in some areas such as the Georgia mountains this morning, said forecaster Trisha Palmer of the National Weather Service office Peachtree City.

Today's warning is in effect from 3 a.m. until 8 a.m., Palmer said

A strong cold front has swept through the state as a Canadian high pressure system built across the region, she said.

Palmer said this will be the coldest weather of the season so far and plants should be protected.

"Bring them inside or cover them or whatever is necessary," she said.

Last month, Michael Wheeler, Hall County Extension coordinator, recommended covering outdoor plants with a cotton sheet.

Plastic sheeting also works fine, but that should be removed before the sun comes out, he said.

Otherwise, the plants could bake under the plastic.

Cotton is best, because it allows the plants to breathe, he added.

Also, adding a "good layer of mulch helps insulate the plant's roots," he said.

Palmer said temperatures will warm up into early next week.

Today's high will be in the mid 50s and weekend highs will be in the low to mid 60s before reaching the upper 60s on Monday.

Weekend lows will be in the 40s and Monday's low is predicted to be in the 50s.