Frost and Freeze Alerts Bring Early Fall Chill
Cold mornings are on the way, and a heads-up has been issued for many communities across the region. A frost advisory and even freeze warnings have been put in place for parts of Vermont, northern New York, New Hampshire, and Oneida County in central New York. It means sensitive plants, gardens, and even outdoor plumbing could be at risk this weekend if not protected.
Let’s talk about timing first. Temperatures are expected to drop rapidly after sunset on Friday. By late Friday night, frost will begin to develop, and the coldest readings will be reached in the pre-dawn hours of Saturday. A repeat performance is expected Saturday night into Sunday morning. Saturday and Sunday mornings have officially been declared “First Alert Weather Days.” In many locations, lows will dip into the low 30s, but in the coldest spots, readings in the mid-20s are possible.
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The greatest concern will be for areas in far northeastern Vermont, the Adirondacks, and Coos County, New Hampshire. There, sub-freezing temperatures are likely, and in some spots, a hard freeze could occur, dropping as low as 25 to 28 degrees. Essex County in Vermont, Coos County in New Hampshire, and the high terrain of Clinton and Franklin Counties in New York are all under Freeze Watches. A hard freeze, if it happens, could end the growing season for many farmers and gardeners. Crops and tender vegetation could be damaged or even destroyed.
Elsewhere in northern and central Vermont, lows in the low to mid-30s are expected, which will still bring widespread frost. Gardeners should take precautions by covering plants with sheets or blankets or bringing potted plants indoors. The Champlain Valley will be a little milder, with lows in the upper 30s to low 40s, meaning frost will be less of a concern there. Southern Vermont can expect temperatures in the mid to upper 30s, so patchy frost is still possible.
In Oneida County, New York, the National Weather Service issued a frost advisory from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday. Overnight lows are expected between 32 and 36 degrees, with colder spots, such as Tug Hill, briefly dipping below freezing. Sensitive outdoor vegetation could be harmed or killed if left unprotected.
It’s worth remembering what a frost advisory means. These advisories are typically issued between May and October when the right conditions for frost are present—clear skies, calm winds, and temperatures at or below 36 degrees. Sometimes, frost can be strong enough to bring an end to the growing season, and that’s what’s known as a “killing frost.”
So, for this weekend, a little preparation will go a long way. Cover plants before sunset, move potted plants inside, and take steps to protect outdoor plumbing if you’re in one of the colder valleys or higher elevations. By the time the sun rises Saturday and Sunday, the chill will ease, but the damage could already be done if steps aren’t taken in advance. It’s a reminder that fall has arrived in full force, and winter’s first whispers are already being felt.
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