A Frost Advisory covers much of Vermont and northern New York early Wednesday morning. A second advisory covers nearby stretches of Maine and New Hampshire.
Clear skies and dry air are letting temperatures fall fast overnight. That combination is enough to bring the season’s next widespread frost.
Vermont and the St. Lawrence Valley
The NWS Burlington office issued the advisory from 2 AM to 9 AM Wednesday. It covers the St. Lawrence Valley and much of northern, central, and southern Vermont.
Temperatures between 30 and 36 degrees will bring frost to the area. Cities in the advisory include Burlington, Plattsburgh, Montpelier, Stowe, and Killington.
Not every spot will see frost equally. Areas close to Lake Champlain in Chittenden, Franklin and Clinton counties should stay a bit warmer, thanks to the lake’s moderating effect.
Maine and New Hampshire’s Mountains
The NWS Gray office posted a separate advisory for higher terrain further east. It runs from midnight tonight to 7 AM Wednesday.
Lows as cold as 33 degrees are expected. The advisory covers Southern Oxford and Interior Cumberland Highlands in Maine, plus Northern Carroll and Northern Grafton counties in New Hampshire.
Communities affected include North Conway, Bethel, Bridgton, Fryeburg, and Waterville Valley. Gardeners there should expect a hard frost by early Wednesday morning.
This cold snap arrives just ahead of a bigger pattern change. Forecasters are already watching a potential nor’easter for later this week.
Protecting Plants Before the Cold Hits
Cover tender plants tonight. A simple sheet or frost cloth can trap enough ground heat to make a difference.
Bring potted plants indoors or into a garage if possible. They’re often the most vulnerable to a sudden overnight frost.
Skip plastic covers touching the leaves directly. Plastic can conduct cold and actually worsen frost damage where it makes contact.
Harvest any remaining tender vegetables today if you can. Tomatoes, peppers, and squash won’t survive a hard frost even when covered.
Check local forecasts at weather.gov/btv or weather.gov/gyx before heading out early Wednesday.
