Washington, DC – Temperatures will drop quickly overnight across western Virginia, setting the stage for widespread frost that could damage or kill sensitive plants by early Friday morning.
Cold air settling into the Shenandoah Valley will push temperatures into the mid-30s by 2 a.m. Friday, with the coldest readings expected in low-lying and sheltered areas. Frost formation will become more likely toward sunrise, especially in rural valleys where winds remain calm and skies stay clear.
According to the National Weather Service in Baltimore/Washington, a Frost Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. to 9 a.m. Friday for Augusta, Rockingham, and Shenandoah counties. These conditions are favorable for frost development, particularly on exposed vegetation and early spring growth.
Communities including Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Woodstock may wake up to patchy frost covering lawns, gardens, and agricultural fields. While temperatures may not fall below freezing, the combination of clear skies and light winds will allow surfaces to cool enough for frost to form.
Gardeners and growers are urged to act before midnight by covering sensitive plants or bringing potted vegetation indoors. Even a brief period of frost can damage budding crops, flowers, and newly planted vegetation.
Conditions will improve after 9 a.m. Friday as temperatures rise and sunlight returns. However, additional cool mornings remain possible into the weekend, and further advisories could be issued if temperatures trend colder.
