Map Shows Where Thousands Can Expect Summer Frost

Thousands of people in the Northeast can expect a summer frost overnight on Thursday as temperatures dip into the low- to mid-30s.

Why It Matters

Frost advisories and even freeze warnings have been issued across parts of the U.S. over the past few weeks as a cold front brought below-average temperatures to many states. The advisories mark the transition from summer to fall and will likely be issued more frequently as temperatures cool ahead of winter.

What To Know

In the early hours Thursday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) offices in Gray, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont, issued frost advisories for their forecast regions. The advisories go into effect during the early morning hours on Friday.

The Gray, Maine, advisory warned of temperatures as low as 34 degrees Fahrenheit, which could result in frost formation in the “normally colder valleys.”

The advisory is in place for Oxford County, Maine, and Coos County, New Hampshire. Areas at risk include the cities of Middle Dam, Colebrook, Berlin, Wilsons Mills, Millsfield, Errol, Byron, Dummer, York Pond, Lancaster, Andover, Upton, Milan, South Arm and Roxbury.

The advisory will remain in effect from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. local time on Friday.

Several frost advisories have already been issued, NWS service hydrologist Sarah Jamison, who works at the Gray, Maine, office, told Newsweek. However, the region has not yet had its first hard freeze, which can occur from late September to early October, depending on the forecast area.

The Burlington, Vermont, advisory also warned of temperatures as low as 34 degrees. The advisory is in place from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. local time Friday for Essex County, including the cities of Island Pond and Lunenburg.

What People Are Saying

NWS Gray, in the frost advisory: “Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation. Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”

NWS Burlington, on X: “Dry conditions will prevail across the region for the end of the work week. A dry cold front will bring some clouds today, then clearing tomorrow. Temperatures will be near seasonal normals today, then cooler than normal again tomorrow.”

What Happens Next

The advisories expire on Monday morning. People in the impacted areas should take steps now to protect tender vegetation or outdoor plumbing. Looking ahead, most of the U.S., including the Northeast, is expecting above-average temperatures later this month, according to the NWS Climate Prediction Center temperature outlooks.