Get ready to dress up in Kansas City. The region is set to experience its coldest temperatures so far this season.

According to the National Weather Service, cool, dry fall weather will continue in the Kansas City area on Tuesday, with afternoon temperatures only rising to the upper 50s.

That’s about 10 degrees less than the average 68 degrees that Kansas City typically experiences this time of year.

Later, more dry, cold Canadian air is expected to move into the area, clearing away remaining cloud cover. This will improve cooling overnight and cause temperatures to drop below freezing across the Kansas City area.

“Parts of the urban heat island in downtown KC may remain just above freezing; However, confidence is high that most locations will dip below 32 degrees early Wednesday morning,” the weather service said in its forecast briefing.

Extensive frost is to be expected.

First freeze of the season for KC

A freeze warning was issued for the entire Kansas City forecast area from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday.

“Frost and freeze conditions could destroy crops and other sensitive vegetation and potentially damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the weather service said.

Recommended steps include:

• The weather service urged people to take steps now to protect sensitive plants from the cold.

• Move potted plants to a shelter or your garage.

• Apply a thick layer of mulch around the plants.

• Water your plants. Water helps retain heat or slow heat loss around a plant.

• Cover the plants with a cloth, box or container. Remember to uncover the threat after the threat is over.

• Provide a heat source.

Typically, Kansas City doesn’t experience its first stop of the season until October 27th. The earliest was September 9, 1995, the latest was November 24, 1931.

Warmer weather in the weather forecast

Clear skies will allow temperatures to rise quickly on Wednesday, the weather service said. Temperatures are expected to rise to around 60 degrees by the afternoon.

The weather won’t be as cold overnight – temperatures will remain in the low 40s.

Temperatures will return to normal on Thursday and rise to near 70 degrees.

The weather looks to be ideal for a fall weekend, with sunny skies and temperatures in the low to mid-70s on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The weather also seems to be dry.

“It is highly likely that the chance of rain will continue through at least Monday,” the weather service said. “Unfortunately, these rain chances on Monday will be primarily concentrated in NW MO (Northwest Missouri). So not even everyone in the (Kansas City forecast area) has a chance of getting some rain, which would be really nice since we’ve had over 4 inches less rain than normal since September 1st.”

The extended outlook suggests that above-average temperatures and slightly above-average precipitation are expected in late October.