Storm Map: First Frost and Freeze of the Season

Frost and Freeze Storm Map

Our storm map today is focused on the first significant frost and freeze of the season, with the greatest concern from Maine southward through the Appalachians.

Frost and Freeze Threat

Temperatures Tuesday morning and again Wednesday morning will fall into the upper 20s and lower 30s across many areas.

That will be cold enough for widespread frost, with some locations experiencing a hard freeze. The coldest spots could see temperatures well below freezing.

For many areas, this will effectively end the growing season.

If you still have gardens or sensitive plants outdoors, tonight may be your last opportunity to cover them before the cold arrives Tuesday morning. Even protected plants could be vulnerable if temperatures fall into the upper 20s for several hours.

The Start of the Winter Transition

This is more than just a couple of cold mornings. It's another sign that the overall weather pattern is beginning to transition toward winter.

The combination of increasingly frequent cold shots and the developing storm pattern we've been watching suggests that the growing season is coming to an end across much of the Northeast and Appalachians.

The Bottom Line

Frost and freezes are expected Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from Maine through the Appalachians, with lows generally in the upper 20s to lower 30s.

If you want to save what's left of your garden, cover it tonight.

For everyone else, this is the beginning of the seasonal transition—it's time to start saying goodbye to the gardens and hello to winter.