Frost Advisory Issued For Thursday In Maryland

MARYLAND — The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory that takes effect Thursday for much of Maryland. A frost advisory means weather officials anticipate widespread frost that could kill sensitive plants if they are left outside uncovered.

Northern, central and southern Maryland are under the advisory, and so are northeastern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Weather officials said the advisory applies to parts of the region where a widespread freeze has not yet occurred.

These areas are under the frost advisory from 2 to 9 a.m. Thursday:

• Anne Arundel County
• Baltimore City
• Baltimore County
• Calvert County
• Caroline County
• Cecil County
• Charles County
• Harford County
• Howard County
• Kent County
• Prince George's County
• St. Mary's County

Temperatures will be as low as 35 degrees in these areas during the advisory period, and forecasters say that it will likely be the coldest around daybreak on Thursday.

Despite the fact that it will not go below freezing plants may become covered in frost, because the ground temperature is cooler than the reading on thermometers above ground.

Temperatures will rise to the mid 50s Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with lows in the 40s at night.

A weekend nor'easter is still a possibility. There remains "considerable uncertainty" regarding the timing and track, officials reported Wednesday.

"A coastal low is expected to affect the region this weekend," the National Weather Service advised in a hazardous weather outlook. "Considerable uncertainty remains in the timing and track of the low and resultant sensible weather impacts to the area. However, there is potential for strong winds and heavy rain, which may result in localized flooding. Stay tuned to the latest forecasts."

Rain will likely begin Friday morning and continue through part of Saturday, weather officials advise.

The Baltimore-Washington forecast calls for the heaviest rain Friday night, with rainfall totals of more than 1 inch around the region, according to the National Weather Service.

On Saturday, "periods of soaking rain will continue into the morning hours. Guidance is in good agreement that the heaviest of the rainfall should be to our north by mid-morning, with only lingering lighter precipitation on the back end of the system," forecasters say. "Models are indicating that Sunday could be relatively dry for much of the area."

Check the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

• Maryland Weather: Weekend Nor'Easter Possible

What To Do Before A Fall Frost

The Old Farmer's Almanac recommends bringing geraniums inside and harvesting basil and other tender herbs as well as vegetables such as cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, okra and spinach before a fall frost.

It also suggests using paper bags and old sheets to protect tender vegetation. Adding a layer of mulch may also help to prevent thawing of the ground.

Another strategy is to water plants before a frost to help them retain moisture, then cover them with newspapers or straw, according to the Farmers' Almanac.

After the frost advisory, temps are expected to go up to the mid to upper 50s on Monday. Check the latest forecast from the National Weather Service.

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Graphic of low temperatures expected on Thursday, Oct. 25, courtesy of the National Weather Service.