If you’re waking up early Wednesday morning in northeastern Washington, your garden might be waking up to a frosty surprise — and not the good kind. The National Weather Service has issued a Frost Advisory for Colville, Deer Park, and surrounding areas, warning that temperatures could dip into the low 30s°F between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. Wednesday. That kind of cold, especially this late in spring, could damage or destroy crops, flowers, and newly planted gardens.
For backyard gardeners and local farmers alike, this sudden dip in temperatures could come at a critical moment — just as planting season is underway. Frost may be a quiet threat, but it’s one of the most destructive forces for young, tender plants that haven’t had a chance to harden off.
What’s Behind This Late Chill?
The cause? A classic combination of clear skies and calm winds — the perfect recipe for overnight temperatures to crash. When there’s no cloud cover to trap daytime heat and no breeze to keep cold air from settling, the result is a rapid drop in temperature during the night.
Meteorologists expect widespread lows in the mid to low 30s across valleys and open fields in Stevens and Spokane counties — and that’s cold enough for frost to develop on grass, roofs, and especially unprotected plants.
What’s at Risk?
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Newly planted vegetables and fruits
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Buds on fruit trees or berry bushes
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Tender flowers like impatiens, begonias, and marigolds
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Potted plants left outdoors
Even brief exposure to frost can blacken leaves, stunt growth, or kill plants entirely. In some cases, damage may not appear until hours later, when leaves droop or turn brown from cell damage caused by ice crystals forming inside them.
How to Protect Your Garden Tonight
Local agriculture experts and county extension offices are urging people to take quick but simple steps to reduce potential losses:
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Cover up sensitive plants using lightweight fabrics like sheets, towels, or purpose-made frost blankets. Avoid plastic — it can trap moisture and cause more harm.
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Water your garden in the evening. Moist soil holds more heat than dry soil, creating a slightly warmer environment near the ground.
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Bring in your potted plants — especially those in ceramic or clay pots that could also crack from the cold.
If you’ve already spent time planting or prepping your summer garden, this is the night to give it a little extra attention before heading to bed.
How Long Will This Last?
The advisory ends at 7 a.m. Wednesday, and sunshine should quickly warm things back up. But early morning temperatures in the low 30s could return over the next few nights, depending on how clear the skies remain. Keep a close eye on local forecasts if you live in valleys or outlying rural zones, which tend to be colder than nearby towns.
Final Thoughts
It may be late May, but Mother Nature isn’t finished reminding us who’s in charge. A few degrees can mean the difference between thriving gardens and ruined crops. Whether you’re a backyard hobbyist or a full-time grower, this is one of those nights when 15 minutes of prep could save weeks of work.
So, before you call it a night — cover your crops, bring in those pots, and set your alarm early if you want to see what the frost left behind.
