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- Northern Michigan is under a freeze watch from May 8 through May 9.
- Temperatures are predicted to drop as low as 23 degrees in some areas.
- Residents are advised to take precautions such as bringing plants indoors or covering them.
Michiganders in the northern part of the state should cover tender plants overnight May 8 to May 9 after the National Weather Service announced a freeze watch ahead of an expected widespread frost/freeze.
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops and other sensitive vegetation,” the National Weather Service said. “Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold.”
Northern Michigan, including areas in the Upper Peninsula, could see lows drop to 23 degrees to 36 degrees overnight.
“Another round of frost / freeze is tonight, with temps plummeting well into the 20s in the interior,” the NWS office in Gaylord said. A widespread frost/freeze is likely, the weather service said.
Southern Michigan, from Lake Michigan east to Isabella, Gratiot, Clinton, Ingham and Jackson counties, could see frost overnight with temperatures down to about 32 degrees, the NWS said. The southernmost counties in Michigan are not included in the hazardous weather outlook for frost.
Here’s more on the freeze watch in Michigan:
How low will temperatures drop to in northern Michigan?
Here are the forecast temperatures for the night of May 8, according to the National Weather Service:
- Grayling: 23 degrees
- Mio: 27 degrees
- Houghton Lake: 28 degrees
- Cadillac: 28 degrees
- Naubinway: 30 degrees
- Beaver Island: 30 degrees
- Gaylord: 31 degrees
- Manistee: 32 degrees
- Gladwin: 32 degrees
- Alpena: 32 degrees
- Traverse City: 33 degrees
- Frankfort: 33 degrees
- Oscoda: 33 degrees
- Petosky: 33 degrees
- Sault Ste. Marie: 34 degrees
- Whitefish Point: 34 degrees
- St. Ignace: 35 degrees
- Rogers City: 36 degrees
- Drummond Island: 36 degrees
How can I protect my plants from frost in Michigan?
Before temperatures drop, Michigan State University Extension says take steps to keep your plants from freezing.
Here are some quick methods:
- If possible, bring plants indoors or in the garage to protect plants from frost.
- Cover plants with winter blankets (or tarps) or frost fabric to trap the radiant heat from the ground.
What does a freeze watch mean?
A freeze watch is issued when there is potential for significant, widespread freezing temperatures, but the occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain.
What does a frost advisory mean?
A frost advisory is issued when widespread frost formation is expected over an extensive area. Surface temperatures are usually in the mid 30s.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
