Cornwall residents should protect their gardens and potted plants tonight as temperatures are forecast to drop to plus 4 degrees Celsius, bringing a risk of frost to the area.
Environment Canada says the skies will clear overnight, allowing temperatures to fall near the freezing mark. The Prescott and Russell region, just east of Cornwall, is expected to see a low of plus 2 with patchy frost.
This cold snap comes roughly 10 days ahead of Cornwall’s historical average first frost date of October 1, based on climate normals from 1981 to 2010. The early frost could damage cold-sensitive plants, so residents are encouraged to cover gardens or bring potted plants indoors.
The good news is the chill won’t last. Tuesday will bring sunshine and a high of 16 degrees, starting a mild and settled stretch that continues through the week. Thursday night will be the coldest of the week at plus 3, but daytime highs will climb steadily, reaching 20 degrees by Friday under sunny skies.
Environment Canada issues frost advisories during the growing season when overnight temperatures are expected to fall near zero. Residents with outdoor plants should take simple precautions tonight, such as covering them with fabric or moving containers to a sheltered spot.
