As Philadelphia's iconic fog takes a brief repose, the city is waking up to a crisp chill in the air that's settling on the greenery. The National Weather Service Philadelphia has issued a frost advisory that remains in effect until 9 AM today, with temperatures dipping as low as 33 degrees. This cold snap could spell trouble for the more delicate flora that adorns our urban landscape.
The advisory specifically targets Delaware, Eastern Montgomery, Lower Bucks, and Philadelphia Counties. It cautions that temperatures as low as 33 will result in frost formation. In addition, to the frost warning, Philadelphians can expect a mostly sunny day with a high near 59 and a gentle northeast wind nudging at 5 to 10 mph. But tonight, it's anticipated to be mostly clear with the mercury falling to around 41 degrees, which means it could be another cold one.
The tail-end of the week forecasts a change with rain on the cards from Wednesday night through Friday, promising some relief from the chill albeit with overcast skies. Rainfall, though it might deter some, brings a sense of renewal. "Rain likely," forecasts the NWS, with calming certainty, "mostly cloudy, with a low around 49" for Wednesday night and an 80% chance of precipitation on Thursday.
For those city dwellers who haven't already done so, it's time to wrap tender plants in burlap or move potted friends indoors as "Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation." The advisory is clear and the consequence for inaction is that, "Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered." Philadelphia's green-thumbed citizens are advised to heed the warning and protect their horticultural investments. A simple step to avert the unnecessary loss of plants that add vibrancy to our urban environment, as detailed by the NWS.
The shift in weather patterns is quintessential of the fluctuating fall climate of the region. After the frost and the rain, the NWS anticipates a return to mostly sunny skies by the weekend, with daytime highs hovering near 58 degrees.
