The first frost of fall overnight Saturday signals the season for pumpkin-picking, corn mazes and harvest festivals.
A tractor tows a trailer full of visitors past a pumpkin patch during a visit to a fall festival at an orchard and farm market in Wexford, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014.This morning, tri-state residents may wake up to one of the first true signs of fall - frost.
The temperature plummeted Saturday, resulting in highs only in the lower 60s, and lows in the 30s overnight. As a result, patchy frost was predicted for parts of Southeast Tennessee and western North Carolina.
Staff at the National Weather Service said the nip in the air is a bit unusual this early in the season.
"The average first time we get to 36 degrees or below [in Dalton] ... is October 20, so it is a little before normal," said Jessica Fieux, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service branch in Peachtree City, Ga.
But she said the temperature in Northwest Georgia shouldn't get below the upper 30s and no frost is expected there.
Around Chattanooga to the east, patchy frost is expected overnight and this morning. But Jerry Heverdeys, a forecaster for the National Weather Service in Morristown, Tenn., said the cold is predicted to be short-lived.
"Just a little quick shot of cold air moving through area, mainly for [Saturday night and today]," he said Saturday. "We do have a warm-up coming on Monday."
With lows only predicted to be in the low 50s overnight, frost isn't so likely overnight tonight.
Although a hard frost isn't expected, Frank Johnson, facilities manager at The Barn Nursery, said some plants might need to be taken inside.
"With it being windy, and if we get any cloud cover, it probably won't frost," Johnson said. "The lower temperatures mean they just need to be sure to bring in their house plants."
Johnson said as a precaution, gardeners could cover any flowering plants, which are the most susceptible to frost damage. He said not to wrap them in any kind of plastic, but rather in cloth or old bed sheets, because plastic can cause condensation and make the problem worse.
However, if gardeners woke up to a frost and neglected to cover their plants, there's hope.
"If you get up early enough in the morning, you can wash that [frost] off with your water hose," he said. "Before the sun comes up."
He said it's a trick they use at the nursery on occasion.
The frost is a reminder of the fall season, and some Chattanoogans may find themselves wanting to pick a pumpkin or drink some cider. Many locations around the area are open for these fall activities.
At Apple Valley Orchard, in Cleveland, Tenn., visitors can take a trailer ride through the apple fields and buy some apples or apple products. They're open until around the first week in November, owner Chuck McSpadden said.
For pumpkins or corn mazes, visit Old McDonald's Farm in Sale Creek, Tenn. They have a pumpkin patch where families can pick their own pumpkins, as well as a corn maze, hay maze, and a nine-hole farmer's golf course.
These are just two of many locations in the area for fall festivities. Check out Chattanooga Now for even more offerings, especially corn mazes and haunted houses.
Contact staff writer Hannah Smith at hsmith@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6731.