As eager as we may be to leave winter behind, the cold weather isn’t quite done with us yet.
A blast of cold air has settled over the region, with Wednesday morning expected to bring the lowest temperatures of the week. A freeze warning has been issued for the New York City metro area, as temperatures in some spots could drop into the upper 20s.
This warning is especially important because the growing season has just begun in and around the city. Delicate new plants could be harmed or killed by the frost. While other areas in the tri-state will also experience below-freezing temperatures, their growing seasons haven’t started yet, so the risk to vegetation is lower and no warnings have been issued there.
Still, if you’ve already started your garden, be sure to bring any fragile plants indoors or cover them to protect them from the cold.
At this time of year, typical early morning lows are in the low to mid-40s. Spring and fall are known for fluctuating temperatures, but the chances of a freeze generally decrease as we move further into spring. By late April, average lows near 50 degrees are more common.
Wednesday morning’s temperatures will run 10 to 15 degrees below normal. And that’s not accounting for the wind chill.
Though not as blustery as Tuesday, the wind on Wednesday morning will still add to the chill, making it feel like the teens or 20s. A winter coat, along with a hat, scarf, and gloves, would be smart choices for the day.
While it’s becoming less common, freezing temperatures in April aren’t unusual. In Central Park, the latest freeze on record was May 6 – all the way back in 1891. In more recent times, the last freeze occurred on April 16, 2014. On average, the last freezing temperature in Central Park happens around March 29, though areas outside the city usually warm up more slowly.
The upside? This cold snap won’t last. Wednesday will be the chilliest day of the week, and temperatures should steadily rise afterward. With some patience, warmer weather is on the horizon — the 60s are expected to return to the tri-state area soon. Spring is just around the corner!
