Goldsboro, NC — Winter is knocking on the door as a surge of cold air moves into the area Monday, bringing the coldest temperatures of the season so far.

Meteorologists say a strong cold front will push through Sunday evening, setting up a sharp drop in temperatures Monday night into Tuesday morning. The system is expected to deliver widespread lows in the 20s and 30s, signaling the possible end of the growing season for much of North Carolina.

While scattered pockets of frost have already appeared in recent weeks, most areas have yet to experience a killing frost or first official freeze. That is likely to change Tuesday morning. Highs will only reach the 40s and 50s, and a steady breeze could keep frost from forming — but will make it feel even colder, with wind chills dipping into the 20s.