GTA residents will want to cover the garden beds before bed tonight. Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for the Toronto area, warning that temperatures will fall to near or slightly below the freezing mark overnight and into Saturday morning.
The advisory, issued Friday morning, carries a moderate impact level and high forecast confidence, according to Environment Canada.
Who will see frost
The coldest conditions are expected in areas north of Highway 401, where temperatures are forecast to dip to the freezing mark or a little below. Communities closer to Lake Ontario will stay a few degrees warmer, thanks to the moderating influence of the water.
That divide means gardeners in the northern half of the GTA are the most likely to wake up to a silvery coating on lawns and flower beds Saturday morning, while lakeshore neighbourhoods may escape the season's first real frost for now.
What it means for plants and gardens
Environment Canada says damage to plants, trees and crops is possible under these conditions, and is urging people to take preventative measures to protect cold-sensitive plants before the temperature drops.
That typically means covering vegetable beds, bringing potted plants indoors or into a sheltered spot, and harvesting any remaining tender crops such as tomatoes, peppers and squash before nightfall. Fruit still on the vine is especially vulnerable once the thermometer hits zero.
What to watch for
The agency is asking residents to continue monitoring alerts and forecasts as the situation develops. Severe weather can be reported by email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or by posting on social media using #ONStorm.
The latest weather alerts and forecast information are available through Environment Canada's website.
