MOSES LAKE, Wash. – A sharp overnight chill will bring the season’s first widespread frost to the Columbia Basin and Moses Lake region late Sunday night into early Monday, threatening gardens and crops across Central Washington. Temperatures are expected to dip to between 32 and 35 degrees by dawn Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Spokane, a Frost Advisory is in effect from midnight tonight through 9 a.m. Monday for much of the region, including Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy, Ritzville, Coulee City, Othello, Wilbur, Creston, Harrington, Odessa, and Grand Coulee.
Forecasters warn that frost could form quickly in low-lying and sheltered areas, potentially damaging sensitive vegetation. Residents are urged to cover outdoor plants, bring potted flowers indoors, and protect irrigation equipment and hoses before temperatures drop.
The cold spell marks a noticeable shift toward fall conditions across Central Washington after a stretch of mild afternoons. Winds will remain light overnight, allowing temperatures to fall steadily under clear skies. Daytime highs Monday will rebound into the upper 50s, but another cold night is likely Monday night, particularly north of I-90.
Agricultural producers in the Basin should take precautions to minimize frost damage to late-season crops. Homeowners may also notice thin ice on windshields and roofs early Monday.
