Spokane, WA – Gardeners and farmers across eastern Washington and north Idaho should prepare for frost as temperatures are expected to dip into the low to mid-30s Monday and Tuesday mornings.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, colder valleys of northeast and north-central Washington, along with north Idaho, could experience frost conditions early in the week. Communities at risk include Winthrop, Republic, Colville, Deer Park, Athol, Priest Lake, Santa, and Clarkia.
Morning lows are forecast to range between 30 and 35 degrees, creating the potential for frost that could harm sensitive crops and garden plants. The weather service advises residents in colder valleys to cover or harvest plants to protect them from damage.
The alert comes at a critical time for growers, as late-September frosts often mark the end of the growing season in many inland Northwest valleys. Those who rely on backyard gardens or local farms for fresh produce may notice earlier harvests or damaged plants if precautions are not taken.
Residents are encouraged to monitor forecasts closely and take steps such as using covers, moving potted plants indoors, or harvesting ripe produce ahead of the chill.
This frost risk is expected to be most pronounced Monday and Tuesday mornings before daytime temperatures return to more seasonal levels later in the week.
