Cooler Weather Ushers In First Frost for Parts of New York This October
Chilly Canadian Airmass Brings Frost Risk
The first day of October has brought seasonable cooler weather to parts of New York, with temperatures dropping approximately 10 degrees from the prior day. Afternoon highs on Wednesday landed in the lower to middle 60s, but the clear skies and minimal winds will allow temperatures to plummet into the 30s overnight, posing the highest frost risk seen this season.
Frost Advisories and Freeze Warnings in Effect
Several areas are under frost advisories or freeze warnings due to the anticipated dip in temperatures. While designated areas face the highest risk, localized frost is still possible in nonalert regions like Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca counties. Here’s a glimpse at the expected lows for the Central New York area by Thursday morning.
Understanding Frost Formation
Official air temperatures are measured at around 5 to 6 feet above ground level. However, with cold air descending towards the ground, temperatures at ground level can drop an additional 4 to 5 degrees. This means frost can form on surfaces like grass and plants even when the official temperature reads between 33 and 37 degrees. If your forecast shows these temperatures, safeguard your plants!
Maps and Dates for the First Frost
Frost typically occurs by October 1st in neighborhoods shaded in light or dark blue on weather maps. Interesting to note, some greenshaded areas may experience frost tonight, several days earlier than usual. Observing the occurrence of frost in more urban areas like downtown Syracuse will be fascinating, especially near bodies of water such as Lake Ontario, and Oneida Lake.
Protection Strategies for Plants and Crops
A frost advisory indicates temperatures will reach the frost point, potentially causing frost across many parts of the alerted counties. Meanwhile, a freeze warning signifies that temperatures below 32 are highly probable, posing a threat to sensitive vegetation, marking the effective end of the growing season.
Here’s how you can protect your plants and crops if you fall within these areas:
- Farmers and gardeners should employ measures to extend the growing season.
- Cover crops and gardens to guard against freezing temperatures.
The climate will shift after Thursday, with temperatures likely to rise, approaching nearrecord highs by the weekend. Stay updated by watching local weather forecasts for more specific predictions.