Charleston and nearby counties are in for a chilly surprise early Thursday morning — and if you’ve been planting flowers, veggies, or leaving your houseplants outside, you’ll definitely want to pay attention. The National Weather Service is warning about a spring frost, with temps expected to drop into the mid-30s, cold enough to cause damage to sensitive plants and make your morning a bit frostier than expected.
When Is This Happening?
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Thursday morning, April 17
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Coldest hours: Roughly 2 a.m. to 8 a.m.
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Lows around 34–36°F, especially in low-lying or open areas
You might not feel it right away when you step out the door, but your plants will — and so will your car windows.
What’s at Risk?
If you’ve recently started your spring garden or set out your porch plants, here’s the deal:
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Tender herbs and flowers like basil, petunias, or begonias could get frostbite
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Veggie seedlings (looking at you, tomatoes and peppers) are especially vulnerable
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Budding fruit trees might take a hit too, depending on how low temps dip
Even lawns and windshields may wake up with a frosty shimmer.
How to Protect Your Plants (and Morning Sanity):
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Bring any potted or hanging plants indoors for the night
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Cover in-ground plants with an old sheet, towel, or garden blanket — no plastic
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If you have pets who sleep outdoors, make sure they’ve got a cozy shelter
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Disconnect hoses or protect exposed faucets just in case
Good News: It Won’t Last Long
This is a quick hit of cold — just a reminder that spring still has a few cool tricks. By the afternoon on Thursday, we’re climbing back into the upper 60s, with a warm-up into the 70s on deck for the weekend. So hang tight — brighter, warmer days are right around the corner.
If you’ve been out planting and prepping for spring (and who hasn’t?), don’t skip this! Take five minutes before bed Wednesday night to cover your plants. It’s the kind of thing you’ll thank yourself for in the morning.
