Frost advisory issued for mainland Nova Scotia as temperatures drop overnight
The advisory warns of temperatures near freezing overnight, about 10 days earlier than Halifax's average first fall frost.
HALIFAX · Environment Canada issued a frost advisory for all of mainland Nova Scotia on Saturday morning, warning that conditions favour frost developing overnight. The advisory, issued at 10:56 a.m., forecasts lows between zero and plus 5 degrees Celsius by early Sunday morning. The coldest readings are expected in low-lying areas, meaning gardens in hollows could frost over even if the city forecast is a few degrees higher. The Weather Network predicted a low of 5 degrees for Halifax on Saturday night, feeling like 2.
The advisory comes about 10 days earlier than Halifax's average first fall frost date of Oct. 20, based on Environment Canada climate normals from the Citadel weather station. The agency advises residents to take steps to protect cold-sensitive plants, trees and crops. "Take steps to protect cold-sensitive plants, trees and crops, and cover plants, especially in frost-prone spots," Environment Canada said.
For plants in pots or hanging baskets, the simplest solution is to bring them inside for the night. For plants that stay in the ground, gardening researchers suggest using a loose bed sheet or similar light fabric rather than plastic. They recommend keeping the cover off the leaves by using stakes or a simple frame, as foliage pressed against a cold cover can freeze anyway. The covers should be removed Sunday morning once it starts to warm up, as sun on a covered plant can build heat quickly enough to damage new growth.
The chill is not expected to last. Saturday's high was near 12 degrees under sunny skies, with northwest winds around 44 km/h. Sunday is forecast to reach 13 degrees with a mix of sun and cloud, and Thanksgiving Monday is expected to climb to 16 degrees, with a chance of a few morning showers. Environment Canada posts any changes to the advisory on its public alerts page.