The Mid-Atlantic is experiencing its first real taste of autumn chill, with frost advisories in place across parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and New England. Clear skies and calm winds are causing sharp temperature drops, especially in valleys and rural areas, where frost could damage late-season crops and plants.
First Frost in Pennsylvania
Northern and western Pennsylvania are seeing their first frosty mornings of the season. Valleys in Clearfield, Elk, Potter, and Somerset counties are expected to drop as low as 32 to 35 degrees. Pittsburgh will stay a bit warmer at around 40 degrees, but nearby rural towns like DuBois and Somerset face a higher risk of patchy frost. The National Weather Service has urged residents to cover or move sensitive plants indoors.
Cold Extends to Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia
The chill isn’t limited to Pennsylvania. Garrett County in Maryland and Highland County in Virginia are also under frost advisories, with near-freezing temperatures forecast. Similar conditions are expected in parts of western West Virginia, where valleys are particularly vulnerable.
Chilly Nights in New York and New England
Central New York, including Binghamton, Elmira, and the Catskills, will also feel the chill, with some valleys dipping into the upper 30s. By Monday night, Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and northern valleys of New Hampshire may see their first frost as well, marking the seasonal shift across New England.
How to Protect Plants During Frost Advisories
To reduce the risk of frost damage, experts suggest:
Covering outdoor plants with light sheets or blankets
Bringing potted plants indoors at night
Harvesting sensitive crops before frost sets in
Protecting outdoor plumbing and hoses from freezing
What to Expect in the Coming Days
Frost advisories will expire by mid-morning Monday, but this chilly pattern is likely to continue through midweek. With clear skies and high pressure in place, more cold nights are on the way, especially in rural valleys.
The arrival of the first frost signals that autumn is settling in across the Mid-Atlantic and New England. While gardeners may face challenges, the crisp mornings and changing leaves also mark the beauty of the new season.
