ATLANTA (AP) — A blast of cold weather sent temperatures tumbling into the 20s in the Macon area and led to freezing weather as far south as Valdosta.

The National Weather Service said temperatures at 5 a.m. Monday were 28 in Macon; and 32 in Valdosta.

Among the state's coldest spots in the pre-dawn hours Monday was Augusta, where it was 28 degrees at 5 a.m. It was 29 degrees in Peachtree City, just south of Atlanta.

One of Georgia's coldest temperatures was recorded at 4 a.m. at a U.S. Forest Service weather station in Union County in the north Georgia mountains, where it was 24 degrees.

The National Weather Service issued a freeze warning that's expected to continue through 9 a.m. Monday.

Forecasters say the cold weather could damage or kill sensitive vegetation and people should take proactive measures to protect pets, outdoor plants and agricultural property.