Near-freezing night threatens gardens and crops
Pickering residents are being urged to cover their gardens as near-freezing temperatures move in. According to Environment Canada, a frost advisory is in effect for the Pickering, Oshawa and southern Durham Region area, with temperatures expected to fall close to the freezing mark overnight and remain there into early Saturday morning.
The federal weather agency says the cold could cause damage to plants, trees and crops that are left unprotected. The advisory recommends preventative measures, with covering up plants — especially those in frost-prone areas — as the key step.
Which plants are at risk
Frost-prone spots include low-lying yards and open gardens, where cold air settles overnight. Anyone with late-season vegetables, annual flowers or newly planted trees and shrubs is being advised to act before the temperature drops.
Environment Canada issues frost advisories when near-freezing temperatures are expected to threaten plants and crops during the growing season. The current one comes at a time of year when overnight lows can dip sharply under clear skies.
What to expect next
Warmer daytime temperatures are expected to return after the cold night. But the agency warns that sensitive plants left uncovered could suffer lasting damage from the frost.
Residents are being asked to keep monitoring alerts and forecasts as conditions develop. Anyone who spots severe weather in their area can report it to Environment Canada by email at ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or by posting on social media using the hashtag #ONStorm. Those reports help meteorologists track conditions as they unfold.
