Kevin_Lemanowicz's Blog

A couple different advisories in place through Tuesday morning.  Much of New Hampshire and northern Worcester county are in a frost advisory.  Southwest New Hampshire, eastern Vermont, and much of western Massachusetts are in a freeze warning area.  Either way, it sounds cold, but there is a difference.

A frost advisory means that there is the strong possibility of a widespread frost.  A frost can kill tender vegetation, so you are advised to protect those plants by covering them or, if possible, bring them inside.  Keep in mind, temperatures are typically observed at eye level, or about 5-6 feet off the ground.  The temperature at the ground can actually be a few degrees colder.  That means the observed temperature does not have to drop to freezing, 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius, for frost to form on the ground.  That would be where a freeze warning comes in.

A freeze warning means that a widespread killing frost is likely.  Here, temperatures will drop below freezing.  This effectively brings an end to the growing season. 

Even if you are not in a frost advisory area Tuesday morning, you should take care of anything you absolutely don't want to take a chance with growing outside.  There can still be spots of frost, even if there is no advisory, as it is going to be a cold night. 

Stay warm.

kpl