St. Cloud, Minn. – Gardeners across Minnesota should prepare for a cold snap overnight, as temperatures near or below freezing threaten to damage sensitive plants. A frost advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday, covering more than 30 counties from the Twin Cities metro to the Arrowhead region.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Duluth and the Twin Cities, areas including St. Cloud, Brainerd, Ely, International Falls, and Willmar could see temperatures drop to 30–32°F. That’s cold enough for widespread frost formation, which could kill unprotected outdoor vegetation.
Communities under advisory include Stearns, Kandiyohi, Aitkin, Cass, St. Louis, Redwood, and Mille Lacs counties. Tribal lands near Nett Lake, Lake Vermilion, and Big Sandy Lake are also included, as well as Voyageurs National Park and parts of the Boundary Waters.
Residents are urged to bring potted plants indoors and cover vulnerable garden beds. Even hardy crops can suffer damage during prolonged exposure to frost.
This marks one of the latest spring frost events in recent years for parts of central Minnesota. The advisory expires at 9 a.m. Sunday, but cooler-than-average temps may persist into next week. More alerts are possible if the cold continues.
