Southwest Michigan has seen bitter cold in recent days, with temperatures expected to swing from the teens back into the 40s.

However, according to WSJM, experts say crops should be just fine. Michigan State University Extension’s Mike Reinke says the gradual drop into cold weather allowed plants time to properly acclimate.

He says brief warmups won’t trigger spring growth unless temperatures stay elevated for weeks.

Reinke adds most fruit crops are hardy, tolerating temperatures well below zero before damage occurs.

He says even a short rise into the 40s followed by colder weather isn’t a concern.

Reinke notes the cold, snowy winter has actually benefited crops, helping recharge soil moisture after several dry years.