A severe frost warning has been issued for Victoria's Northern Country, north-east, and East Gippsland regions, with temperatures expected to plummet to -5°C on Saturday.
The Bureau of Meterology says the harsh conditions pose a significant threat to vulnerable crops, with ground-level temperatures likely to fall even lower than official readings during calm, clear nights.
Local growers are implementing frost protection measures, including draining irrigation systems and lighting orchard fires, to protect their produce from the devastating effects of severe frost.
The winter season has brought foggy mornings and significant rainfall across the affected regions, with overnight temperatures continuing to drop.