Decent Weather for Spring Clean-Up But NOT For Planting Cold Sensitive Plants!

Just a scoop on the remainder of this week and April's projected trend of waves of below normal temperatures. Waves meaning at this time of year; the colder snaps will have significant moderating trends and workable garden weather to get things set for planting. Cool weather crops generally are put in mid to late April; those that can handle 30s and some 20s with ground protection.

Cold sensitive crops and flowers, even those on bushes and trees are at risk of damage if flowers come out on the warmer days - only to be followed by sharp cold snaps. One of the most vulnerable are the Magnolias; especially if open or even exposed engorged buds. I'm watching mine that are beginning to stick their "beaks" through their protective "skins".  Thus far; they are safe but this week's weather with warmer temperatures, rain and thunderstorms before colder weather arrives later this week will encourage progression of similar flowering bushes/ trees.

Checking the first wave of colder weather shows the cold front pushing down through the region on early on Thursday. Here's the latest positioning of the  front on the 12z Tue GFS.

Looking out further on the projected pattern confirms the waves of colder, below normal temps coming in from the north.

Upper Winds into 4/22/20 

Surface temps through the period at six hour intervals; as you can see the risk of 30s and even 20s is with us.

Any other notable weather expected this month will be blogged.

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