MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — Winter is staging a late-season comeback in the Garden State. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a freeze watch for ten counties across central and southern New Jersey, warning residents that a sudden plunge in temperature could jeopardize early spring crops and outdoor plumbing.
The watch is scheduled to take effect late Tuesday night through 9 a.m. Wednesday morning.
What to Expect
Forecasters at the NWS Mount Holly office warn that temperatures could bottom out as low as 24°C in some areas. This is significantly colder than the typical early April lows, which usually hover between 39°F and 41°F.
Affected Counties:
- Atlantic
- Burlington
- Camden
- Cape May
- Cumberland
- Gloucester
- Mercer
- Monmouth
- Ocean
- Salem
Note: The freeze watch also extends into portions of southeastern Pennsylvania.
A “False Spring” Risk
The timing of this cold snap is particularly concerning due to the recent stretch of unseasonably warm weather. The “false spring” encouraged many flowering fruit trees and sensitive vegetation to bloom weeks ahead of schedule.
“Frost and freeze conditions could kill crops, other sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor plumbing,” the NWS stated in their Monday afternoon briefing.
Meteorologist Ray Martin noted that flowering fruit trees are at the highest risk. Once these trees bloom, the delicate blossoms become highly vulnerable to sub-freezing temperatures, which can lead to a significant loss of fruit production for the coming season.
How to Prepare
Local officials and weather experts recommend taking the following precautions before Tuesday night:
- Protect Plants: Bring potted plants indoors. For outdoor gardens, use burlap, heavy blankets, or frost cloths to insulate sensitive vegetation.
- Check Plumbing: Drain or wrap any exposed outdoor pipes and disconnect garden hoses to prevent bursting.
- Pet Safety: Ensure outdoor pets have adequate shelter or, ideally, bring them inside during the overnight freeze.
The NWS indicates that the current “watch” may be upgraded to a freeze warning if the forecast remains on target as Tuesday approaches.
