Frost advisory issued for mainland Nova Scotia Saturday night
The advisory warns of temperatures near freezing overnight, about 10 days earlier than the average first fall frost.
HALIFAX — Environment Canada has issued a frost advisory for all of mainland Nova Scotia, warning gardeners to protect cold-sensitive plants overnight.
The advisory was issued at 10:56 a.m. Saturday, warning that conditions favour frost developing overnight into early Sunday morning, with lows between zero and plus 5 degrees Celsius.
"Take steps to protect cold-sensitive plants, trees and crops, and cover plants, especially in frost-prone spots," Environment Canada advised.
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The Weather Network forecast a low of 5 degrees for Halifax Saturday night, feeling like 2. The coldest readings are expected in low-lying areas.
"A garden in a hollow or a low corner of the yard can frost over even when the city’s forecast sits a few degrees higher," the advisory noted.
Based on Environment Canada climate normals from the Citadel weather station, the Old Farmer’s Almanac puts Halifax’s average first fall frost on Oct. 20, so tonight comes about 10 days ahead of the usual date.
The gardening researchers behind Garden Professors suggest a loose bed sheet or similar light fabric rather than plastic for covering plants. "Keep the cover off the leaves, because foliage pressed against a cold cover can freeze anyway," they advise.
A few stakes or a simple frame over a vegetable bed will hold the sheet up. The covers should come off Sunday morning once it starts to warm up, as sun on a covered plant can build heat quickly enough to damage new growth.
Saturday's high was near 12 degrees under sunny skies with northwest winds around 44 km/h. Sunday is forecast to reach 13 with a mix of sun and cloud, and Thanksgiving Monday climbs to 16, with a chance of a few showers in the morning.
Environment Canada posts any changes to the advisory on its public alerts page.