Harrisburg, PA – Residents across Central Pennsylvania are being urged to protect outdoor plants as a late-season cold snap threatens to bring damaging frost Thursday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in State College, a Frost Advisory remains in effect from 3 a.m. to 9 a.m. EDT Thursday for a broad region including Franklin, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York, Lancaster, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Fulton, Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, and Perry Counties.
Temperatures are expected to dip into the upper 20s to low 30s, cold enough to form frost that may kill or severely damage sensitive outdoor vegetation if left uncovered. Cities such as Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lewistown, Gettysburg, and Sunbury are all within the advisory zone.
The advisory is especially relevant for gardeners, farmers, and landscapers with early spring crops or newly planted flowers. Residents are advised to cover plants with fabric, bring potted plants indoors, and avoid using plastic coverings that may trap cold air.
While frost events in April are not uncommon in Pennsylvania, this one follows a period of milder temperatures, which may have encouraged premature planting. Gardeners are encouraged to monitor updates from weather.gov/StateCollege for the latest advisories.
