Weather
New York-Pennsylvania Weather Alert: Freeze Risk Oct 18
Binghamton, NY – A widespread frost and freeze threat is expected across the Binghamton area this weekend, with temperatures falling to approximately 28 degrees by early Sunday, October 18. The approa
By Jenna Hartley · 2026-10-16T08:00:10.598Z
Binghamton, NY – A widespread frost and freeze threat is expected across the Binghamton area this weekend, with temperatures falling to approximately 28 degrees by early Sunday, October 18. The approaching cold spell could bring a damaging freeze to sensitive outdoor vegetation and threaten the remaining growing season across parts of New York's Southern Tier. Residents in Broome County and surrounding communities should prepare for freezing conditions Saturday night, followed by another round of frost early Monday before temperatures gradually recover during the new workweek.
According to the National Weather Service in Binghamton, widespread frost is expected to develop mainly after 11 p.m. Saturday, continuing into Sunday morning. The city's forecast calls for a low near 28 degrees, four degrees below freezing, under mostly clear skies and light winds. Widespread frost is also expected before 9 a.m. Sunday, while additional frost could develop late Sunday night into Monday morning. The forecast identifies two consecutive mornings when frost sensitive plants may need protection.
Widespread Frost and Freezing Temperatures Expected Saturday will bring a dramatic change from Friday's relatively mild conditions, with afternoon temperatures reaching only 46 degrees after Friday's projected high of 72. Northwest winds around 11 mph could gust to 24 mph during Saturday afternoon before weakening later in the evening. As skies clear and winds diminish, temperatures are expected to fall rapidly enough to support widespread frost across the Binghamton area before sunrise Sunday.
The forecast low of 28 degrees raises concerns beyond a routine chilly October morning. Temperatures below freezing can damage unprotected flowers, vegetables and other sensitive plants, particularly when exposure continues for several hours. Residents with outdoor gardens or seasonal landscaping should consider covering vulnerable vegetation or moving portable plants indoors before Saturday evening. Rural valleys and sheltered locations may experience different temperatures from those measured at nearby airports or urban reporting stations.
Another Frost Threat Extends Into Monday Although sunshine should return Sunday afternoon, the cold weather concern will not disappear immediately. Temperatures are forecast to reach approximately 58 degrees during the day before dropping to around 34 degrees Sunday night. Areas of frost are expected after 3 a.m. Monday, with widespread frost possible before 8 a.m. The repeated cold mornings could prolong the risk to vegetation already exposed to freezing conditions during the weekend.
The shift follows a wet Friday, when showers and thunderstorms are expected with a 90% precipitation chance. The National Weather Service Hazardous Weather Outlook also identifies the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms Friday, with damaging wind gusts possible and the greatest strong storm risk across northeastern Pennsylvania and the Catskills. That earlier storm threat is separate from the weekend freeze concern, which becomes the primary weather development heading into Sunday.
Sunshine and Milder Weather Return Next Week Travel conditions should generally improve after Friday's rain, with dry weather forecast Saturday through much of the following week. Drivers along Interstate 81, Interstate 86 and Route 17 should nevertheless prepare for colder early morning temperatures. The supplied forecast does not establish freezing rain, snow accumulation or widespread icy road conditions, making vegetation protection the more immediate concern.
By Monday afternoon, temperatures should recover to approximately 62 degrees under sunny skies. Tuesday and Wednesday are forecast to reach the middle 60s, with nighttime lows gradually returning to the upper 30s. Thursday should remain sunny with a high near 62 degrees. While the outlook suggests improving daytime conditions, the weekend freeze could have lasting consequences for sensitive plants and gardens.
Are you preparing to protect outdoor plants before Binghamton's forecast 28 degree freeze Sunday morning?
Five Day Weather Outlook Friday 10/16: Showers and thunderstorms are expected, with a 90% precipitation chance and a high near 72 degrees. South winds could gust to 26 mph before temperatures fall to approximately 37 degrees Friday night.
Saturday 10/17: Mostly cloudy skies should gradually become sunny, with a high near 46 degrees and northwest wind gusts reaching 24 mph. Mostly clear skies Saturday night will allow temperatures to fall near 28 degrees, with widespread frost developing.
Sunday 10/18: Widespread frost is expected mainly before 9 a.m., followed by sunshine and an afternoon high near 58 degrees. Clear skies Sunday night will allow temperatures to fall near 34 degrees, with additional frost possible after 3 a.m.
Monday 10/19: Widespread frost is expected before 8 a.m., followed by sunny skies and a high near 62 degrees. Mostly clear conditions are forecast Monday night, with temperatures falling to approximately 37 degrees.
Tuesday 10/20: Sunny skies and milder afternoon temperatures are expected, with a high near 64 degrees. Mostly clear conditions should continue Tuesday night, with temperatures dropping to around 39 degrees.
Extended Outlook Wednesday, October 21, is expected to be sunny with a high near 64 degrees and a nighttime low around 38. Thursday, October 22, should remain sunny with a high near 62 degrees.