Freezing Temperatures Cause Havoc to Some Vulnerable Vegetation and Fruit Trees in Southeast Lower Michigan - 3/27/2012

Compared to the heat of last week, it was a very cold night across Southeast Lower Michigan with temperatures plummeting into mainly the 20s to around 30. And; with just last week's high temperatures being in the 80s, mom nature has certainly thrown a curve ball at vulnerable vegetation! As an example; my huge formally beautiful magnolia now carries little brown canopies of death. Of course, magnolias are always vulnerable to spring cold snaps being their home-base is in the South but more importantly; talking with Bob Tritten from Michigan State's University Agriculture Extension program; "last night's below freezing temperatures that befell Southeast Lower Michigan, lasted for up to 12 hours! And, damages to early sprouting fruit trees are now being assessed and significant losses are possible."

Actual overnight low temperatures are available from the NWS from the Regional Temperature Precipitation Summary and also again, from Michigan State's University Enviro-weather web site. Just go to the site, run your mouse cursor over the yellow dots on the map and current weather observations will pop-up; along with a host of weather and soil conditions when you click on individual highlighted topics.

While some moderation is expected in temperatures the next day or so,  colder (30s) weather is again likely Thursday morning but not as cold as this morning.

 Making weather fun while we all learn;

 Bill Deedler - SEMI_WeatherHistorian

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I first noted in my last blog; the risk of frost and freezing temperatures is still high this time of year. In addition; I stated "A large polar high pressure system will stick its beak down into the Great Lakes and points east early next week and bring quite a change from the summer-like weather we've recently felt! How far south the colder air is able to infiltrate the area remains to be seen; so stay tuned".

The "cold snap" remains on track as the Polar High moves across Southern Ontario and the Great Lakes into Tuesday. Little change is anticipated this Monday afternoon as the expected lows last night came to fruition and the most vulnerable time period will be tonight into Tuesday morning. Temperatures last night fell into the upper 20s to near 40 around the Lakes. I expect readings tonight to fall mainly into 20s to lower 30s with again; the warmest near the Lakes and larger cities. A widespread killing frost and freeze is expected by Tuesday morning. Dew point temperatures this afternoon reflect the cold, dryness of the air mass with many being in the teens and 20s! With dew points so low, even a few upper teens for overnight lows may be realized.


Some of the new tender vegetation will be at risk with the colder weather; particularly since it came out so early this season. Also, nursery's and home gardens who set out plants may want to keep a close tab on the expected low temperatures for your immediate area.

Making weather fun while we all learn;Bill Deedler - SEMI_WeatherHistorian