Frost Warning Hits Ohio: What You Need to Know Before Saturday Morning

As the days get longer and the warmth of spring finally starts to settle in, it’s easy to get excited about planting your garden and seeing things grow. But just when you think you’ve made it through the last of the cold, a surprise is lurking for Ohio gardeners. The Ohio Frost Advisory has been issued for several northern counties, and temperatures are expected to dip to 32°F (0°C) early Saturday morning, May 10, 2025. If you’ve already moved your plants outside, this could be a real problem for them if you’re not ready.

Which Areas Are Affected by the Ohio Frost Advisory?

The advisory covers areas like Ashtabula Inland, Stark, Summit, Mahoning, Trumbull, and parts of Crawford and Southern Erie counties in Pennsylvania. The frost will hit between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, with freezing temperatures expected. While this cold snap won’t last long, just a few hours of freezing temperatures can do some serious harm to young, tender plants that haven’t fully adjusted yet. If you’ve been eager to plant your garden and get your flowers and veggies started, this unexpected frost could undo some of that hard work.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore This Ohio Frost Advisory

It’s easy to assume that once warmer days show up, frost is a thing of the past. But Ohio weather can be tricky—spring doesn’t always follow the calendar. If you’ve planted flowers, vegetables, or potted plants outside, this Ohio Frost Advisory is a heads-up that you can’t completely forget about the possibility of frost just yet. Even the plants that seem hardy can struggle when hit with sudden, freezing temperatures. All it takes is one cold night to damage or kill your plants, and if you’re not careful, you may find yourself replanting in just a few days.

If you’ve recently moved your plants outside or have seedlings that are still getting settled, it’s time to act. Don’t wait—this frost advisory is a reminder that you need to take action now if you want to keep your garden safe.

How to Protect Your Plants from the Frost

Here are a few simple, easy things you can do to protect your plants overnight and give them the best chance to make it through this frost:

• Cover your plants with an old sheet, blanket, or towel. Just make sure it’s not too heavy, and don’t let it press directly on the leaves—that can do more harm than good.

• Move potted plants inside or into a more sheltered spot, like a garage or shed, to protect them from the cold.

• Water your garden in the late afternoon or early evening. Moist soil holds heat better overnight, helping to keep your plants warmer.

• Skip the plastic covers—they might seem like a good idea, but they trap moisture and can make frost damage worse.

These few steps can make a huge difference in protecting your plants and ensuring they don’t suffer too much from the cold.

Why You Should Care About Frost in May

You might be wondering, “It’s May—why is there still a chance of frost?” It’s a fair question, and the truth is, Ohio weather can be unpredictable, especially in the spring. Just because we’ve had a few warm days doesn’t mean the risk of frost is completely gone. This Ohio Frost Advisory is proof that nature doesn’t always follow the calendar. Even though we’re all looking forward to warmer weather, spring can still throw in a surprise cold snap.

Experienced gardeners know to wait until mid-May before planting frost-sensitive crops. And while it’s frustrating, this advisory is a good reminder that spring in Ohio often comes with unexpected twists, and we all need to stay on top of the forecast.

FAQ About Ohio Weather

1. Why is there a frost advisory in May?

It might seem a little odd, but Ohio’s weather is always full of surprises. Even though the temperatures have been warming up, it’s not uncommon for a cold snap to sneak up on us in spring. That’s why we have the Ohio Frost Advisory—just a reminder that frost can still happen, even in May, especially overnight when things cool down quickly.

2. Which areas are affected by this frost advisory?

If you’re in places like Ashtabula Inland, Stark, Summit, Mahoning, Trumbull, or parts of Crawford and Southern Erie counties in Pennsylvania, you’re in the zone for the frost. This means you’ll need to protect your plants from the chilly temps coming your way early Saturday morning.

3. What can I do to keep my plants safe from the frost?

It’s pretty easy to protect your plants: Cover them with a light cloth—old sheets, towels, or blankets work great. Just make sure the cover isn’t too heavy, and don’t let it touch the leaves directly. If your plants are in pots, the best thing to do is move them inside or to a warmer spot like a garage or shed. Also, watering your garden in the late afternoon helps keep the soil warmer overnight. Just avoid plastic covers because they trap moisture, which can actually make the frost damage worse.

4. How long will the frost last, and will my plants be okay?

The frost will hit from around 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. EDT on Saturday, May 10, so it’s a quick chill. Even though it won’t last long, just a few hours of freezing temperatures can hurt plants that aren’t protected. But don’t worry—if you take the right steps to cover them up, your plants should be fine once the frost passes.

5. When is it safe to plant without worrying about frost?

Most gardeners wait until mid-May or later before planting frost-sensitive crops, just to be on the safe side. But as you can see, Ohio’s spring weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always smart to keep an eye on the forecast. Even if it feels like the frost risk is over, it’s better to be prepared just in case.