Temperature drop in Northern Ontario: unexpected late frost
Unusual cold air sweeping across Northern Ontario has triggered frost advisories even as the province edges deeper into June. As of Thursday night, residents in Timmins, Kapuskasing and Armstrong are under an alert issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), warning of temperatures near the freezing mark.
Risk to crops and plants despite mid-June
The alert emphasizes a specific risk to gardening and agriculture, as frost advisories are typically reserved for nights during the growing season where the temperature threatens to reach 0°C (32°F) or slightly lower. Despite being well past the historical last frost date of June 7 for Timmins, the temperature is forecasted to dip to 1°C (34°F), with the potential for isolated areas to experience even colder microclimates.
This meteorological phenomenon may cause significant damage to tender vegetation, especially where protective measures are not in place. While this cold spell is brief, it reflects the volatility of late spring weather patterns in northern regions of Ontario, even during what is usually a safe period for outdoor planting.
Relief coming soon: weekend rebound forecasted
Meteorologists report that the cold trough influencing this frost risk is transient. Starting Friday afternoon, a noticeable warming trend is expected to bring temperatures back to seasonal norms or even above, continuing through the weekend and into next week.
While the overnight chill serves as a cautionary reminder, this episode is forecasted to be short-lived. Still, gardeners in affected zones are urged to remain alert and ensure that sensitive crops and flowers are shielded from possible early morning frost.
