First Day of Spring Will Bring the Dreaded ‘F-Word’ to East Texas

Spring arrives in east Texas on Tuesday, March 19. The official exact time of the vernal equinox is 10:06 p.m.

The Dangerous 'F-Word' Comes to East Texas

Meteorologists are predicting a frost early Tuesday morning across much of east Texas. Low temperatures are expected to dip into the low to mid-30s before sunrise on Tuesday, which could leave a blanket of frost across the Pineywoods.

Tender vegetation could be at risk with this threat of frost.

Plants That Are Not Frost Tolerant

According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Harris County, quite a few spring and summer growing annuals and perennials may be damaged in a frost. Some of those may include begonias, geraniums, impatiens or tropical hibiscus.

Many vegetable and fruit plants can also be susceptible to a frost. Tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, and/or cucumbers are not the hardiest of plants.

You may want to check on plants such as azaleas, boxwoods, oleanders, and crape myrtles when it comes to their ability to survive a frost. Experts advise some sort of frost cloth to cover and protect plants.

How Can A Frost Occur When It Doesn't Reach 32 Degrees?

Much of Deep East Texas will have temperatures between 32-37 by sunrise, but ice formation on grass and plants can still occur.

This is called a 'radiative frost'. You can click on this link to learn more about the science behind this type of frost, but just know that in this scenario, the leaves, stems, and other plant structures can be as much as 5 degrees colder than the actual air temperature.

Warming Weather Returns

The only danger for a frosty morning will be early Tuesday as warmer weather is expected to gradually return to east Texas.

High temperatures in the 60s and low 70s will occur for much of the week, but, overnight lows will move into the 40s and 50s as the week progresses.