CAPE GIRARDEAU'S LOW TEMPERATURES BREAK RECORD

Temperatures in the wee hours of Wednesday broke the 29-degree record for Cape Girardeau, dipping to 27 and endangering tender plants.

But most gardeners heeded freeze advisories and covered up the crops and flowers, averting disaster.

David Diebold, co-owner of Diebold Orchards in Benton, Mo., moved indoors most of the small flowers and vegetable plants his business sells. He checked his apple and peach orchards, which are on high ground, early Wednesday morning.

"We barely noticed any frost," Diebold said. "The apple blooms are just as pretty and pink and white as they can be."

KFVS television meteorologist Bob Reeves had predicted record-breaking temperatures, but his forecast warmed up, calling for lows in the 40s and a high of 70 for today.

"The jet stream was far enough south," he said Wednesday, explaining the chill. "It allowed air polar in nature to come down."

Area residents may not have seen the last of winter's grasp.

"We can have significant cold snaps well into May around here," he said.