Coming off of an impressive streak of warm weather, it is hard to believe that we may see some areas of patchy frost tonight. With this being the case, I just wanted to pass along a little inside information when it comes to "official temperatures" and the ability for frost to occur.

You have to keep in mind that the National Weather Service measures the air temperature five feet off of the ground. When you have clear skies, cold temperatures, and calm conditions, the temperature five feet off of the ground can be warmer than temperatures on the ground, sometimes by a few degrees.

That being said, even though the official temperature may read 36 degrees, the temperature may be freezing (32 F) a few feet below the thermometer. Here is a litte information from the National Weather Service Website:

we must add that frost can occur any time national weather service temperatures of 36 degrees or less are recorded. the reason for this apparent anomaly is that official temperature readings are taken at an elevation of five feet above ground... but the temperature at ground level may be colder. on typical spring nights when frost occurs... the temperature at the five foot level may read 36 degrees while the temperature at ground level is actually the 32 degrees needed to form frost.

Since the lake temperature is 48 degrees, inland locations will have a better shot at seeing frost develop. Remember you can get the most up to date temperatures at WSEE.tv.

For tips on protecting your plants from being damaged by a frost, you can find some good information at the website I linked by CLICKING HERE.

Ray Petelin,
WSEE Storm Team Meteorologist