April 10 2020

He had a few days in the 70s this week, and also snow flurries this morning across central Maryland. Temperatures are likely to drop below freezing for parts of our area this weekend and it is well within expectations through April.  There is a good reason why many gardeners suggest NOT to plan tomatoes until after Mother’s Day.

Early surges of warm air in spring can be deceiving. Just because the temperatures reach the 80s or even 90ºF does not mean we safely into the growing season. In fact often an abnormal warm up in March or April can be matched by an equally abnormal cool down as the atmosphere tries to balance itself out.

A late frost or freeze is still possible and can harm or kill plants, even as we head into warmer months.  But it is more likely inland away from the water and the cities. The wester and northern suburbs can still expect a possible frost into early May. So getting gardens ready can take an effort in trust and patience.

Here is a look at the ‘last’ frost and freeze dates in our region. This is when most planting can be considered safe outside.  Note, this is the extreme and the ‘safe bet’ Below is a breakdown of dates the last frost or freeze that are more common for towns and cities in Maryland thanks to the University of Maryland.

 

Whenever I make an average map of anything weather related in Maryland, is is colorful. There is such a wide variety of conditions thanks to the contrast from the mountains, valleys, foothills, Chesapeake Bay, all the rivers and tributaries, and the Atlantic Ocean. This does extend across to Pennsylvania and Virginia, but tightly packed contours in central Maryland reflect how difficult weather forecasting can be.

See the break down of towns in the charts below. 

Note:

Air temperatures are measured at 5 to 6 feet above the ground. On a chilly morning, it could be 5 degrees or more colder on the ground than the air at the thermometer’s level. That can allow frost to develop on grass and cars while the air is in the upper 30s.

A freeze is when the air itself is at or below 32ºF. This is more threatening to garden plants.

 

Last Freeze Date Chance By City

 

 

 

 

 

Also see: Average First Frost/Freeze Map and Dates (for end of the growing season in Autumn)

 

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