Wausau, Wis. – Cold air moving into central and north-central Wisconsin could damage gardens and crops as a frost advisory takes effect early Thursday morning. Residents in Wausau, Marshfield, Medford, and surrounding communities are being urged to protect sensitive plants overnight.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Green Bay and La Crosse, the advisory begins at 1 a.m. and remains in effect through 9 a.m. Thursday for Marathon, Wood, Portage, Clark, and Taylor counties. Temperatures are expected to dip to around 32 degrees, allowing frost to form on exposed surfaces.
Cities like Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids could see patchy frost that may kill unprotected plants. Homeowners are encouraged to bring potted plants indoors or cover vulnerable vegetation with cloth or plastic sheets.
This late-spring chill isn’t uncommon for the region, but it’s the first advisory of the season for many central Wisconsin communities. Garden centers and growers should also take precautions tonight, especially in low-lying or rural areas more prone to cold pooling.
Frost conditions are expected to clear after 9 a.m., but forecasters note additional advisories could follow if cold nights persist into the weekend.
