From Mild and Wet to Frigid and Frosty
- Posted on
- 0
Abrupt winter weather changes are on the way…possible weather-related closures next week!
It would appear the weather is about to make a rather abrupt change. To this point in 2024, things have been pretty mild. We most certainly have had a substantial amount of rainfall. Several rain gauges around the area have registered more than 2 inches of rainfall, in this week alone. That’s a pretty substantial amount for a single week. It does look like, however, the liquid part of the precipitation is about to end. We’ll likely see our weather change from a mild and wet trend, to a much more frigid, and decidedly more frosty reality.
If things go according to forecasts, we could be in for several inches of snowfall, beginning next week. Accompanying that snowfall will be a decided downturn in temperatures. These temperatures will be dramatic, the coldest since Christmas time of 2022; the insulating snow cover will/would be, most assuredly welcome. One of the great things about the timing of this weather change is the fact that we will go into it with our ground thoroughly soaked. Although it is counterintuitive, having abundant soil moisture is most desirable prior to sub-freezing temperatures.
While it is true that 32° is the freezing point of water, the soil temperature, where root systemsbegin to get damage, is about 17°. When the soil is thoroughly saturated, it slows down the speed at which soil temperatures fall. That means soil moisture is actually providing insulation.
At this time, it does not appear that our temperatures will go below the mid-single-digits. Most all plants growing in the ground should be in good shape. Make sure the plants you have in containers, have indeed received adequate rainfall. Container planters are where additional water might be needed, particularly if those plants are on a covered patio or porch. Less winter-hardy plants might require being covered, or moved inside garage/basement.
Tune in Saturday mornings at 8 AM for info-taining answers: “Gardening Inside Out”. Podcast later, on your schedule! Facebook. Email. Instagram.
David Bates
Don’t disturb the snow until the single digit weather is over, they will be fine and the snow protects the foliage.
since we had 7-8 inches of snow,i have some globsasa nana and&golden mop cypress i planted in fall,they have good growth,,but wasnt expecting so much snow.They are covered with snow. do i dust off the snow or let it melt naturally,im afraid melting snow might cause it to refreeze and damage shrub, need expert thoughts,,