New York is bracing for an early taste of winter as temperatures plummet this week. The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings for numerous counties across the state, cautioning residents to prepare for conditions more typical of late fall or early winter. As October begins, the unseasonably cold air mass is expected to bring temperatures down into the upper 20s and low 30s. Such low temperatures pose a significant risk of frost, which could damage crops and harm unprotected plumbing. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect sensitive plants and ensure that outdoor pipes are properly insulated.