Just when we thought winter was a memory, Mother Nature hits rewind. If you’re in northern Pennsylvania, brace yourself—temperatures are set to plunge into the 30s overnight, threatening to wipe out your spring garden. A rare frost advisory has been issued for early Monday morning, and gardeners, farmers, and plant lovers across the region should take immediate action to protect their plants from damage—or even destruction.
What’s Happening: A June Frost Advisory That’s Anything But Typical
The National Weather Service (NWS) has officially issued a Frost Advisory for multiple northern counties in Pennsylvania, including McKean, Potter, Tioga, Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, and Warren. This alert is in effect until 7:00 a.m. Monday, June 2.
Temperatures are forecasted to dip as low as 33–35°F, which is well below average for this time of year. On a clear, calm night like the one expected, that’s the perfect setup for frost formation—and for delicate plant life, that can be a death sentence.
Areas at Highest Risk
Some of the hardest-hit communities could include:
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Coudersport
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St. Marys
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Emporium
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Wellsboro
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DuBois
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Warren
In these places, clear skies and light winds will allow heat to escape quickly from the surface, especially in valleys and low-lying areas. That means frost is not just possible—it’s likely.
What Does This Mean for You and Your Garden?
If you’ve already planted vegetables, herbs, or flowers, this cold snap could be devastating. Frost damages plant tissues, especially in young or newly transplanted crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, basil, and squash. Even a few minutes of frost can turn healthy green leaves into black, wilted mush.
Here’s what you can do tonight to keep your garden safe:
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Bring potted plants indoors—even your porch might not be warm enough.
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Cover your outdoor plants with light sheets, frost blankets, or even cardboard boxes. Avoid using plastic unless it’s propped up and doesn’t touch the plant.
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Water your plants before sunset—moist soil holds more heat than dry soil and can offer slight protection.
Why Is This Happening in June?
While it’s not common, it does happen—especially in northern areas at higher elevations. This cold spell is being driven by a high-pressure system moving in from Canada. These systems tend to clear out clouds, allowing nighttime temperatures to drop rapidly, especially when there’s no wind to mix the air.
Historically, similar events have occurred in early June, but they’re rare enough that many gardeners are caught off guard, assuming the danger has passed after May.
What’s Next After the Frost?
The good news? This isn’t lasting long. Once the sun rises on Monday, temperatures are expected to bounce back quickly into the 60s and 70s later in the day. But that brief window between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. is all it takes to do irreversible damage.
Meteorologists are also watching for similar setups later in the week if skies stay clear and winds remain light. That means you should stay alert to any additional frost advisories, especially if you live in a valley or rural area.
Final Word: Act Now, Save Your Garden
If you’ve spent the spring nurturing your garden, don’t let one surprise frost undo all your hard work. Take precautions tonight—not tomorrow. Cover your plants, check the local forecast, and set an early alarm to inspect any overnight damage.
Remember: It only takes one night for a season’s worth of effort to be lost. This is one of those rare cases where your plants need you to stay up late—or wake up early.
Stay tuned to Weather Now for continuous updates and the next round of forecasts as this unusual pattern unfolds.
