The lower temperatures experienced in Selma and Dallas County Wednesday began a trend of progressively cooler weather and a possible freeze heading into the weekend.

According to meteorologist Michael Garrison, from the National Weather Service in Birmingham, more rain this morning will cause the thermometer to drop.

“The rain should push through Thursday morning and leave highs in the 60s,” he said. “As we head toward the weekend we’ll see highs in the 50s and 60s with the lows in the mid to lower 30s.”

Saturday and Sunday mornings, Garrison said, are probably the areas best opportunity for a freeze.

Today’s weather calls for showers before 1 p.m. and a high near 63. Friday’s forecast predicts a high near 59 and lows around 32. Saturday’s high is expected to hit 61 with a low near 32 and Sunday’s temperatures will warm with a high near 67 and low near 39.

Freezing temperatures can be damaging to houseplants and gardens and the gardenhelper.com offers some tips to help plants survive cooler temperatures.

Watering plants before nightfall helps the soil release moisture and keep the air somewhat warmer. It also advises gardeners to cover up plants before dusk to keep some of the stored heat inside the covered area.

It is important, the site said, to remove the covers in the morning.