Chilly Grip Descends: Frost Advisory Blankets Six New Jersey Counties

As the crisp breath of autumn deepens, six counties across northern New Jersey are bracing for a significant drop in temperatures, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Frost Advisory for early Friday morning. Residents in Morris, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Bergen, and Essex counties are advised to take immediate precautions as overnight lows are expected to plummet into the frosty range of 30 to 34 degrees Fahrenheit.

This advisory highlights the urgent need to protect sensitive outdoor plants from the potential damage that can occur when temperatures hover just above freezing.

The advisory is set to be in effect from approximately 2 AM to 8 AM EDT on Friday, encompassing the coldest hours before dawn. During this window, the absence of cloud cover and light winds will allow temperatures to fall rapidly, increasing the risk of frost formation.

While not a hard freeze, a frost event can be detrimental to vulnerable vegetation, including annuals, vegetables, and certain perennials that have not yet gone dormant for the winter.

Homeowners and gardeners, especially, should take this advisory seriously. Experts recommend bringing potted plants indoors, where they can be shielded from the cold.

For larger plants or those rooted in the ground that cannot be moved, covering them with a sheet, blanket, or burlap can provide a crucial layer of insulation. Ensure covers extend to the ground to trap residual heat. Additionally, it's a wise practice to cover any exposed outdoor water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting, a common issue during unexpected cold snaps.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service emphasize that while the days may still feel relatively mild, the nights are clearly signaling the shift towards colder seasons.

This early season frost serves as a critical reminder for residents to finalize their cold-weather preparations. After the advisory lifts, temperatures are expected to rebound slightly during the day, offering a brief reprieve before the likelihood of further chilly nights increases as we move deeper into October.