FRESNO, Calif. (AP) -- Citrus growers in California's Central Valley appear to have escaped with little or no crop damage after a series of unusually cold nights.

Officials with the citrus growers association, California Citrus Mutual, said Wednesday temperatures were not low enough over a long enough period of time this week to cause significant damage.

The National Weather Service issued a freeze watch for the region on Sunday, with nighttime temperatures expected to dip to 26 degrees in some areas. Prolonged temperatures in the mid-20's can damage citrus crops.

Citrus Mutual's Paul Story said growers ran wind machines and water to protect crops. The coldest temperatures were also recorded outside prime citrus-growing areas.

Temperatures are expected to rise through the rest of the week and into the weekend.

Copyright 2013 The AP.