Philadelphia, PA – A second and colder wave of air will arrive late Tuesday night, with temperatures potentially dropping to 24°F by early Wednesday, putting crops, gardens, and outdoor plumbing at risk across the Mid-Atlantic.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, a Freeze Watch is in effect from late Tuesday night through Wednesday morning for eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and parts of northeast Maryland. Forecasters warn that clear skies and calm winds will allow temperatures to fall rapidly overnight, with the coldest readings expected just before sunrise Wednesday.
Major metro areas including Philadelphia, Trenton, Wilmington, and Camden could see widespread frost, while colder inland suburbs such as Reading, West Chester, and Doylestown may dip closer to 24°F. Coastal areas like Atlantic City and Cape May may stay slightly warmer but still face frost formation.
The primary concern is damage to early spring vegetation and flowering trees already in bloom. Residents should cover plants, bring sensitive vegetation indoors, and protect outdoor pipes before midnight Tuesday.
Temperatures will rebound after mid-morning Wednesday, but additional cold alerts remain possible if overnight clearing continues later this week.
