Westlock, Alberta, is in for a chilly night with temperatures expected to dip to 0°C, bringing a risk of patchy frost and fog patches by morning, according to Environment Canada.
Gardeners should take precautions to protect tender plants. Cover them just after dusk and remove the covers once the sun comes up tomorrow, as colder temperatures settle in overnight.
The good news is that after tonight’s cold snap, a stretch of pleasant fall weather is on the way. Daytime highs are forecast to climb to 20°C on Wednesday, 22°C on Thursday, and 20°C on Friday, with sunny conditions Wednesday and Thursday and a mix of sun and cloud on Friday—all well above the seasonal norm of 16°C for this time of year.
Tonight’s frost comes right on schedule for the region, as the average first frost date for Westlock falls between September 11 and 20, based on climate data from 1991 to 2020. The warmer days later this week are part of a broader El Niño-driven pattern that has brought milder than usual conditions to Alberta this fall, though chilly nights like tonight remain normal.
Residents can enjoy the upcoming sunny days, but it is a good idea to cover any outdoor plants tonight to keep them safe from the frost.