Portland, OR– A cold snap sweeping into the Upper Hood River Valley could damage outdoor plants overnight as a Frost Advisory remains in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Portland, temperatures may drop to 33°F early Tuesday morning, enough to trigger widespread frost formation across cities like Parkdale, Odell, and Hood River. Residents are urged to bring in potted plants or cover sensitive vegetation before nightfall.
The advisory, issued Monday afternoon, warns that frost can form even when air temperatures are slightly above freezing, especially in valleys and sheltered areas. The cold air is expected to settle just before dawn, when conditions are most favorable for frost development.
Gardeners should consider using lightweight fabric to shield vulnerable plants or relocating them indoors temporarily. While this is not an uncommon event for October in Oregon, the first frost often catches people off guard.
More advisories could follow if cold conditions persist later this week.
